From Dhaak Beats to Daaker Shaj – Soumita Saha’s Uma Eseche Captures Puja Spirit”

5 Dariya News

Mumbai 12-Sep-2025

Durga Puja in West Bengal is far more than a festival—it is an emotion deeply woven into the state’s cultural and spiritual fabric. For generations, this celebration has been marked not only by rituals and artistry but also by music. Since the 19th century, new song releases during Durga Puja have become an intrinsic part of Bengal’s cultural calendar.

This tradition continues in 2025 with the unveiling of the teaser of Uma Eseche, the latest composition by acclaimed singer-songwriter Soumita Saha.Released on the official YouTube channel of Music Zone Record Label, Uma Eseche captures the profound emotions surrounding the annual arrival of Goddess Durga, fondly revered as Uma, to her father’s abode.

According to Hindu mythology, Uma resides in Kailash with her consort, Lord Mahadev, but every year during the autumn month of Ashwin, she returns to her father, Giriraj Himalaya. This divine homecoming forms the essence of Durga Puja, and Soumita’s song offers a heartfelt tribute to this timeless tradition.

One of the most evocative lines from the lyrics—“Shajbe Uma Daaker Shaje” (“Uma is getting adorned in Daaker decoration”)—beautifully bridges mythology and cultural history. The reference stems from the British era, when shiny decorative papers and zari works were imported via mail, or daak in Bengali. Over time, these embellishments came to be known as Daaker Shaj. By incorporating this imagery, Soumita revives the nostalgia of Bengal’s festive past while celebrating the Goddess in her radiant glory.

Reflecting on the creation of the song, Soumita shares:

“Durga Puja has always been very close to my heart. With Uma Eseche, I wanted to capture the essence of Uma’s homecoming—the joy, the nostalgia, and the cultural traditions that make this festival so special. The dhaak beats, the Daaker Shaj reference—everything is my way of celebrating the Goddess and the timeless emotion of Bengal’s biggest festival.”

The song is entirely penned, composed, and sung by Soumita, making it a deeply personal artistic expression. A defining feature of the track is the acoustic inclusion of the dhaak—the resonant percussion that is synonymous with Durga Puja. Its deep, rhythmic beats, often accompanying the dhunuchi dance and ritualistic grandeur, infuse the song with authenticity and festive fervor. The music video is in plastic doll animation style beautified by Soumita's Art Studio team. The video features beating of dhaak, blowing conch shells to Dhunuchi naach everything beautifully animated.

The teaser of Uma Eseche, released on 10th September, has already sparked excitement among listeners. The full music video is scheduled for 17th September on Music Zone Record Label’s YouTube channel and will also be available across all major music streaming platforms, making it accessible to Bengali music lovers worldwide.

With Uma Eseche, Soumita Saha once again reinforces her artistry masterfully blending tradition with contemporary sensibility. As Bengal prepares to welcome its most cherished festival, her song is poised to become a soulful anthem of the season—celebrating not just the divine homecoming of Goddess Uma, but also the enduring spirit of Durga Puja itself.