Tansen Sangeet Samaroh'25 resonates with Belabahaar, Dhrupad

The third day of the 101st Tansen Music Festival began with a morning session that immersed rasikas in melodious singing, the charm of the flute, and the rare notes of Belabahaar. The gentle music warmed the crisp morning air, creating an atmosphere of meditation, joy, and emotional ecstasy. Adding a unique dimension, a flutist from Italy infused a fusion of Eastern and Western music, captivating the audience with his performance.The morning session opened traditionally with Dhrupad singing. Students of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Art University, Gwalior, performed the composition in Raga Vairagi Bhairav, “Eh Man Tu Jo Sukh Chahat Ho…,” elevating the gathering spiritually. This was followed by “Namami Shankara…” in Sulatal, resonating with the essence of Shiva.
The presentation was directed by Dr. Parul Dixit, with tanpura accompaniment by Yashi Samadhiya and Sneha Rathore, pakhawaj by Jaywant Gaikwad, and sarangi by Abdul Hamid Khan.The rare instrument Belabahaar took the spotlight as Pandit Naveen Gandharv performed Raga Bhupali Todi. Through subtle alaps, he beautifully conveyed the raga’s emotional depth, drawing listeners into a meditative experience. The performance was complemented by keyboards from Devanand Gandharv, tabla by Prasad Lohar, and tanpura by Gagan Katik, creating a morning filled with tonal purity and spiritual serenity.Pandit Vinod Kumar Dwivedi and Ayush Dwivedi, honored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, presented compositions in Raga Bilaskhani Todi, including “Taari Rishi Gautam Nahin…” in Mattatal and “Charan Pade Ab Rakhau Pati Raghupati…” in Sulatal, showcasing profound emotional expression. They also performed a Dhrupad composition in Raga Charukeshi, “Dhan Dhan Tansen Gayan Guni Gandharv…,” paying tribute to Tansen. Pakhawaj accompaniment was by Rajkumar Jha.Flutist Simon Metielo from Rome, Italy, introduced a fusion of world music with Eastern classical elements. He elaborated Raga Gaur Sarang through alaps, jor, and jhala, interpreting Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s compositions in slow and medium tempo Teentaal. The session concluded with a sub-classical rendition of Raga Manj Khamaj in Dadra Tal, accompanied by tabla from Saleem Allahwale.
The morning session concluded with a heartfelt performance by Dr. Sadhana Deshmukh Mohite. She presented a bigkhayal “Log Javave…” in Raga Bhimpalasi with Teenwaada Taal and a fast composition “Garva Harva Darenge…” in Teentaal. The session ended softly with an Ashtapadi in Bhairavi, accompanied by tabla from Ajinkya Galande, harmonium from Deepak Khasarwal, and tanpura by Ashwini Naserie and Atharv Dubey.The morning’s resonating notes offered peace and revitalization, celebrating Tansen’s divine musical legacy. Artists were welcomed by Abhilasha Baghel, Assistant Engineer, Gwalior Municipal Corporation. 

(Asstt.Editor)