D iyas lit all through the passage paved the path to a serene stage set below a huge peepul tree wrapped in garlands of marigolds signifying the colour of bhakti. While breathing in spiritualism, the sight of bells and flowers rendered peace to the soul. This feeling of spiritual joy was escalated with mellifluous performances that marked the three day Bhakti Sangeet festival at Nehru Park organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad, Department of Art and Culture.
Those present were witness to a treat of soulful music that transported one to the world of Radha Krishna, Lord Rama and Sufi saints. The three days had the best of the acclaimed artistes. The opening of the festival by Astitva Band made everyone in the audience repeat the Vedic chants. Their upbeat music in Sanskrit painted the atmosphere in the right tone. The audience was thrilled to listen to something so unlike a rock band.
It wasn’t just the old but also the youth who were taken in by the chanting of Astitva. Zaman Khan, lead vocalist and guitarist of Astitva said, “We had an amazing time on stage and enjoyed playing in a nice ambience. This was our first performance in Sanskrit and I think this concept can make us go international.” As far as the audience was concerned, it was a “rocking performance!”
But this was not all as Vidya Shah’s ‘Nirgun Naad’ captivated the audience with classical and fusion renditions. This kept the bhakti spirit alive which was then taken to another level by the famous Punjabi Sufi singer, Hans Raj Hans. The audiences were mesmerised and completely found themselves immersed in the Sufiana kalam.
The second day of this Bhakti celebration began with Gulzar Ahmad Ganie’s traditional Kashmiri Bhakti which was followed by Prabati Baul’s Baul singing from West Bengal but the day was made special by Pt Channulal Mishra’s rendition of parts of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas.
Prabati’s ‘Bird song’ comes from the essence of what she heard an old woman sing while mopping the floor in her house one day. Parbati’s voice as she sung songs of ‘pure love’ shared by Radha Krishna, touched the depth of one’s soul. As Parbati played the Baul and tabla - strung from her hip and maintained the rhythm with her anklets, one was amazed at the dexterity with which she handled the multiple instruments.
Pt Channulal Mishra on the other hand, engaged audience by explaining the nuances of all the pieces he rendered. He began with a 10-minute piece in Khayal, followed by a Thumri and then Dadra which was mesmerising. As he sung the chaupais - reciting the Kevat prasang while explaining its meaning painstakingly in his typical style, the audience hung onto to every word and enjoyed each moment.
The spirits were raised to another level on the concluding day with Sanam Marvi’s Pakistani Sufi traditions. The Buddhist chanting by Silence of Soul Band and Kabir Bhajans by Sitanath Biswas. The spiritual performances cast their spell through enchanting hymns, soul-stirring vocals and sacred lyrics by devotional singers. Sanam’s soulful Sufi renditions ended the event on a high note where everybody was left looking forward for the next edition of the festival.
Prabati, later could not resist praising the ambience, “It was beautiful, with the wind bringing in natural music to the listeners’ ears.”
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