Varanasi's Sankat Mochan Temple Hosts Third Night of Musical Extravaganza
The third night of the six-day music concert organized at the Sankat Mochan temple premises in Varanasi witnessed a grand gathering of the country's renowned music maestros and emerging young artists on Wednesday. This event served as a vibrant platform where senior artists imparted wisdom through their performances, while younger talents absorbed and learned the profound depth of the presentations, fostering a rich cultural exchange.
Pt Ulhas Kashalkar's Vocal Performance
The evening commenced with a captivating vocal performance by Pt Ulhas Kashalkar from Pune. He initiated his presentation with Raag Bhupali, delivering a vilambit composition in Taal Tilwada followed by a drut and tarana in Teen Taal, which brought the first segment to a graceful pause. In the subsequent part, he enchanted the audience with two compositions in Raag Sahana, set in Jhaptaal and Ek Taal, before concluding his vocal recital. His performance was skillfully accompanied by Pt Suresh Talwalkar on tabla, Vinay Mishra on sanvadini, and Ojash Pratap Singh providing vocal support.
Flute Recital by Vivek Sonar
Following this, Vivek Sonar from Mumbai presented a mesmerizing flute recital. He began with alaapachari in Raag Jog, proceeded with a vilambit composition in Mattataal, and performed two compositions in Teen Taal, culminating his set with a soulful bhajan. He was accompanied on tabla by the talented Pt Shubh Maharaj, enhancing the melodic experience.
Jaspinder Narula's Devotional Renditions
In the third presentation, renowned playback singer Jaspinder Narula, who traveled from Mumbai, delivered a series of devotional vocal performances. She started with a Ram bhajan, followed by a Hanuman bhajan and several other bhajans, concluding with a Krishna bhajan. Her performance was supported by Ankit Sharma and Kriti Singh on vocals, Gurvinder Bhola on tabla, Sanjay Sharma on pad, Vinay Prasanna on bansuri, and Satnarayan on keyboard, creating a harmonious ensemble.
Kaushiki Chakravorty's Enchanting Singing
The next presentation featured renowned singer Kaushiki Chakravorty from Kolkata, who delighted the audience with her exquisite singing. She first concluded the opening chapter with Jhumra in Raag Abhogi, then sang several popular thumris before bringing her presentation to a close. She was accompanied by Archik Banerjee on tabla, Ustad Murad Ali Khan on sarangi, and Jyotirmay Banerjee on sanvadini, adding layers of musical richness.
Pt Devashish Bhattacharya's Guitar Recital
In the fifth presentation, renowned guitar player Pt Devashish Bhattacharya from Kolkata mesmerized the audience with his enchanting guitar recital. He presented Raag Hanuman Kanhada at the Hanuman Darbar. After alaapachari, he performed gatkari in Jhaptaal, Ek Taal, and Tritaal, pausing the first chapter. He concluded his recital with a thumri in Pilu, with Suryadeept Bhattacharya matching his steps on guitar and Pt Sanju Sahay accompanying him on tabla.
Pt Mahesh Kale's Melodious Presentation
The sixth presentation saw Pt Mahesh Kale from Mumbai adorning the stage with his melodious singing. He commenced with Raag Rageshri, embellishing his performance with compositions set in Taal Jhumra, Jhaptaal, and Teen Taal. Continuing in this sequence, after a composition in Raag Param Sohini, he concluded his singing with the bhajan “He Surano Chandra Ha”. He was accompanied by Vaibhav Khandolkar on tabla, Omkar Dalvi on pakhawaj, Abhay Bichhu on sanvadini, Apoorva Gokhale on violin, and Abhishek Mooruk on side rhythm.
Final Presentation by Pt Alok Lahiri and Son
In the final presentation, senior sarod player Pt Alok Lahiri from Kolkata and his son Abhishek Lahiri presented Raag Basant Mukhari, inviting the dawn with their soulful performance. Pt Samar Saha accompanied him on tabla, bringing the night to a serene and memorable conclusion.
This event not only showcased the diversity of Indian classical music but also highlighted the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, making it a significant cultural milestone in Varanasi.
