Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh's Second Night Enthralls Varanasi with Musical Mastery
The historic city of Varanasi witnessed another evening of sublime musical artistry as the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh entered its second night. This six-day festival, renowned for showcasing India's finest classical talents, presented a diverse lineup that left the audience spellbound with its depth and virtuosity.
A Grand Opening with Mandolin and Percussion
The evening commenced with a powerful ensemble featuring Pt U Rajesh on mandolin, whose melodic precision blended seamlessly with the rhythmic foundation provided by Pt Shivmani on drums and Mahant Prof Vishwambharnath Mishra on pakhawaj. This opening presentation set a high standard for the night, demonstrating how traditional instruments can create contemporary magic while honoring classical roots.
Jugalbandi Excellence with Mohan Veena and Satvik Veena
The second presentation featured an extraordinary jugalbandi between two string masters. Pt Vishwamohan Bhatt on his signature Mohan Veena and Salil Bhatt on Satvik Veena created a dialogue of notes that began with an evocative aalap in Raag Vishwaranjani. Their performance progressed through intricate gatkari sections in madhya laya and drut laya within the framework of teen taal, culminating in a spiritually uplifting Ramdhun. The tabla accompaniment by Pt Ramkumar Mishra and support from Kaushik Kunwar added profound rhythmic depth to this mesmerizing duet.
Percussion Showcase and Vocal Brilliance
The third act presented a dynamic tabla solo by Jargam Akram Khan and Shri Khurram Ali Niyazi, enhanced by Mohit Sahni on sanvadini and Aman Khan providing lehra on sarangi. Following this rhythmic exploration, Ustad Gulam Abbas Khan traveled from Mumbai to deliver a captivating vocal performance. He began with a bada khayal in Raag Bihag, followed by a chhota khayal in teen taal, and concluded with the bandish "Aiso Kanhai Manat Nahin" set in teen taal within Raag Sohini. His performance was beautifully supported by Ustad Akram Khan on tabla, Pt Dharmnath Mishra on sanvadini, and Vinayak Sahay on sarangi.
Tabla Resonance and Sitar Streams
Pt Shubh Maharaj then took center stage with a powerful tabla presentation that demonstrated both technical mastery and emotional expression, accompanied by Vinayak Sahay on sarangi and Mohit Sahni on sanvadini. The evening continued with Kolkata-based Pt Kushal Das unleashing a stream of notes on sitar, performing alapchari in Raag Parameshwari followed by gatkari in Raag Lalit within teen taal, with Pt Sanju Sahay providing tabla accompaniment.
A Vocal Finale Honoring Tradition
The night concluded with a special vocal presentation by Pt Ratan Mohan Sharma, a disciple of the legendary Pt Jasraj Ji, who was joined by his son Swar Sharma. Their soulful rendition began with Raag Bhairav and progressed through a selection of morning ragas, showcasing their deep understanding and mastery of the vocal tradition. The performance was enriched by the skilled accompaniment of Pt Ramkumar Mishra on tabla and Pt Dharmnath Mishra on sanvadini.
This second night of the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh successfully blended established masters with emerging talents, creating an unforgettable musical experience that celebrated India's rich classical heritage while demonstrating its continuing evolution and relevance.
