Saptak Festival Plans Screen Displays to Guide Classical Music Newcomers
The Saptak Music Festival in Ahmedabad concluded its 2026 edition on Tuesday, leaving many attendees with a sense of longing. This feeling resonated strongly with both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time listeners. While the festival's performances offered emotional access to all, grasping the deeper intricacies of the music often required more than just attendance.
A Simple Solution for Aspiring Rasikas
Festival organizers have revealed a potential innovation for future events. They told TOI they are seriously considering the projection of raga names and the opening lines of bandishes onto the large venue screens. This move aims directly at those taking their first steps into the world of Indian classical music.
For a novice, identifying a raga during a live performance can be a challenge. The act of tilting one's head to listen intently, a sign of deep engagement for experts, might sometimes be misinterpreted. This new initiative seeks to bridge that gap in understanding.
From Pleasure to Profound Appreciation
Knowing the name of a raga transforms the listening experience. It shifts a pleasant auditory moment into a richer, more complex pleasure. Context, historical annotations, and structural secrets become accessible. It is akin to reading a beautiful poem by John Donne; the verses stand alone, but learning about the poet's life as a Metaphysical poet adds a startling new layer of meaning and curiosity.
Education has a wonderful way of inspiring learners to seek more. Sandeep Joshi, the secretary of Saptak, highlighted this after a recent concert. He praised Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar's performance for its purity and command. While displaying raga names won't instantly teach newcomers to identify subtle tonal ranges, it provides a crucial first step.
It empowers them to begin building their knowledge. Instead of just tilting their heads to the air, they can tilt them towards the screen to learn and connect. This simple act of naming can unlock a deeper, more informed admiration for the art form, turning flirty curiosity into genuine, respectful understanding.
