Gwalior welcomes Tansen Samaroh as ‘Gamak’ sets the musical tone

Gwalior on Sunday evening opened its heart to the 101st edition of the iconic Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, marking the beginning of five days of classical grandeur and cultural celebration. Celebrating its centennial legacy and stepping into its 101st glorious year, the world-renowned music festival once again reaffirmed Gwalior’s place as the cradle of Hindustani classical music.The festivities began on a soulful note with ‘Gamak’, a traditional sub-classical music gathering, which commenced  at Hazira Intak Ground on the eve of the Tanseni Mahotsav. Music lovers gathered in large numbers as the evening resonated with rich melodies and devotional fervour. The highlight of the opening event was a captivating performance by world-renowned Sufi singer and Bollywood playback artist Jaswinder Narula, who enthralled the audience with her powerful vocals and emotive renditions.Narula, a recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1999 for the title song of Pyar To Hona Hi Tha sung with Remo Fernandes, brought together Sufi, devotional, and popular music traditions. Known for her work in films such as Mission Kashmir, Mohabbatein, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and Bunty Aur Babli, she once again showcased her versatility as an accomplished exponent of Sufi music, Gurbani, and Sikh religious compositions. The ‘Gamak’ tradition has earlier witnessed performances by stalwarts including Chandan Das, Richa Sharma, Hans Raj Hans, and the Wadali Brothers.

To facilitate the smooth conduct of the event, the vegetable market operating at Intak Ground remained closed for the day, following mutual consent from vendors, with alternative arrangements made in coordination with municipal authorities. Officials were also instructed to ensure well-organised parking arrangements around the Intak Ground and the Tansen Samadhi complex so that music enthusiasts could reach the venue with minimal inconvenience and without disrupting city traffic.The grand celebrations will continue from December 15 to December 19, during which the historic city will resonate with instrumental concerts, morning recitals, and soul-stirring performances by some of the finest maestros from India and abroad. The prestigious stage will be graced by Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, and Shikhar Samman awardees, alongside promising young artistes, reflecting the festival’s commitment to both legacy and the future of classical music.
Beyond music, this year’s Tansen Sangeet Samaroh also embraces the rich cultural fabric of Madhya Pradesh through a curated set of tourism and heritage experiences. These include sunrise and sunset tours of Gwalior, a guided city tour highlighting its architectural and musical heritage, an Orchha day excursion, the evocative ‘Jewels of the Ravines’ Chambal trail, live demonstrations of traditional art and textile crafts, artisan stalls, art exhibitions, live illustrations, and a live painting workshop and fine arts exhibition titled ‘Vadi Samvadi’. A thematic food festival at MPT Hotel Tansen Residency is also drawing visitors with flavours unique to the region.As the city immerses itself in five days of cultural splendour, artistic excellence, and timeless melodies, Gwalior once again stands transformed into a musical haven, inviting connoisseurs, travellers, and lovers of classical art to be part of this enduring and living legacy.

(Asstt.Editor)