By Firstdespatch Desk Jan 04, 2025
Agartala, Jan 4 (FD) When one thinks of band music, the Western influence often comes to mind, encompassing genres like rock, pop, jazz, blues, and metal. Over the years, this group-based musical culture has transcended its niche as a subculture and emerged as a symbol of youthful energy and inspiration. Since the 1990s, band music has grown in popularity globally, with a significant impact in India.
West Bengal’s legendary bands like Mohiner Ghoraguli, Bhoomi, Chandrabindu, Fossils, and Dohar have made a lasting mark, crossing borders and captivating audiences. Following this wave, the band culture has steadily risen in Tripura. Leading this cultural renaissance in the state is Dabanol, Tripura’s first-ever musical band.
Founded in 1995 by Hirak, Niloy, Paul, and Prashant, who hail from diverse professional backgrounds such as teaching and government services, Dabanol has been on an extraordinary journey for 29 years. Their debut performance at the Miss Tripura event marked the beginning of a remarkable musical odyssey. The band has since enthralled audiences with over 1,000 live shows, performing Bengali band songs, English rock, Bengali folk, and Hindi pop rock.
Dabanol’s original music has earned recognition beyond Tripura. Their songs have been featured in prestigious publications like Allahabad’s Rock Street Journal and Shillong’s Great Indian Rock. The band’s album, Nishachar, has become a youth favorite, resonating across the state and the nation.
Their performances have taken them to major cities, including New Delhi, Kohima, and Bhubaneswar, and they have collaborated with the Sangeet Natak Academy under the Government of India. Closer to home, they actively participate in state fairs, continuing to champion band music in Tripura.
With a mission to popularize this genre further, Dabanol’s enduring legacy serves as a beacon of creativity and passion. As they celebrate 29 years of success, the anticipation remains high to see how far their music will reach in the years to come. FD SB