The 52nd Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh continues its unique tradition of rendering a musical prayer by illustrious musicians before lighting the lamp; setting the stage for the seven-day event in Hyderabad
National award winning musician Ramesh Narayan led the prayer and he was joined by the illustrious line up of artists and students of Pandit Jasraj offering their musical prayer to mark the beginning of the 52nd Pt Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh at CCRT in Hyderabad. Artists including Gargi Siddhant, Madhushree Narayan, Radhika Parikh, Mohan Kumar, Rajiv Janardhan on Rudra Veena, Hyderabad based Sitarist Nanda Kumar, Harijit Singh on Tabla, Deepak Daswadkar on Pakhwaj, Bhaskarnad, Abhinay Rawande on Harmonium, Rohit Kulkarni and Krishna Sravan on Mridangam rendered various Bandish of Mewati Gharana concluding with Mayi Sagari Rang Rathiya rendered by Pandit Ratan Mohan Sarma and the young Swar Sarma.Some of Bandish that struck a chord with the audience as the group of talented singers sang in synchrony include Amir Khusro’s Mora Joban, one of Jasraj ji’s favourites Lage na Jiya Mora Toso, Hum ko Bisaar Kahan Chale Salone Sayya, and the most popular Mata Kalika in Raag Adana written by Maharaj Jaywant Singh Waghela known to be the spiritual Guru of Pandit Jasraj ji.
The best part of the festival from the time Panditji was alive and singing to the present when his daughter Durga Jasraj and Neeraj Jaitly continue to bring it to Hyderabad is the feeling of oneness, and familiarity, of owning the festival as their own by the audience. Many of them have been coming to the festival from decades and they all remember all too well Panditji’s call out for ‘JaiHo’ that the connoisseurs repeat in enthusiasm before the beginning of the concert. The festival that started small is now grown to be a 7-day event.
Durga Jasraj and Neeraj Jaitly, the founders of the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation have made all efforts to preserve traditional heritage of this 51-year-old festival and continue the tradition. Speaking on the occasion Durgaji shared that this was Panditji’s biggest pilgrimage to come to Hyderabad to pay musical homage to his Gurus – his brother and father and to the city he loved and grew up in – Hyderabad.
The Centre for Cultural Resource & Training (CCRT), Hyderabad came alive as the festival opened on a grand note. Organized by the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation, the opening day also had a concert by Rekha Bharadwaj that left the audience mesmerized with its soulful performances and vibrant energy as the Sufi inspired singer whirled and whirled seeking blessing from the heavens above as she sang the most popular songs in her repertoire.
Rekha Bhardwaj, the National Award-winning singer is known for her distinctive voice and captivating performances. Rekha delivered an unforgettable Sufi recital, weaving her magic with timeless melodies that struck a chord with the audience including Kabira, Namak, Gendaphool. Her ability to evoke deep emotions and connect with the listeners reaffirm her stature as one of India’s most cherished artists.
Rishi and Mahima Upadhyay
PM Narendra Modi’s wishes that arrived all the way from Guyana wishing the artists and organisers was surely a cherry on the top. PM Modi appreciated the initiative that came as a shot in the arm for all those involved in making the festival a success.
Shobhana
On the second day danseuse Shobhana gave a Bharatanatyam performance and eminent Carnatic singer Abhishek Raghuram rendered the vocal followed by Pakhwaj duet by young musicians Rishi and Mahima Upadhyay.
Rekha Bharadwaj
The Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh continues until November 30, 2024, with an array of performances by iconic artists including Dr. L. Subramaniam, Ricky Kej, and others. The festival promises to be a grand celebration of India’s classical music traditions, blending innovation with deep-rooted heritage.
