Kolkata Hosts Grand Classical Music Festival to Honor Annapurna Devi's Centenary
The cultural heart of Kolkata was recently enriched by a magnificent three-day classical music conference, meticulously organized to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary surbahar exponent, Annapurna Devi. Held from March 6 to March 8 at the prestigious GD Birla Sabhaghar, each evening's program commenced at 6 PM, drawing in aficionados of Indian classical music from across the city and beyond.
A Musical Tribute to a Reclusive Maestro
This festival, orchestrated by the Annapurna Devi Foundation, served as a profound homage to one of Indian classical music's most revered yet enigmatic figures. Annapurna Devi, born into a Muslim family, was the daughter of the iconic guru Allauddin Khan and sister of sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan, both pillars of the esteemed Maihar gharana. She was bestowed the name Annapurna by Maharaja Brijnath Singh of the Maihar State, under whose patronage her musical journey flourished.
A master of the surbahar, Annapurna Devi was not only a virtuoso performer but also an influential teacher whose legacy is carried forward by her illustrious disciples. Among her notable students are celebrated musicians such as Nikhil Banerjee, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Aashish Khan, Basant Kabra, and Nityanand Haldipur, each of whom has significantly contributed to the propagation of Indian classical music.
Stellar Lineup of Performances
The conference offered audiences a captivating musical journey through diverse forms of Indian classical music, featuring both instrumental and vocal performances by eminent and emerging artists from across the nation. The lineup was as follows:
- Opening Day (March 6): Milind Raikar on violin and Subhra Guha with vocal renditions.
- Second Day (March 7): Shantanu Bhattacharyya presenting vocal music and Basant Kabra performing on the sarod.
- Concluding Day (March 8): Rajendra Prasanna and Ritesh Prasanna enchanting with flute melodies, accompanied by Ashwini Bhide Deshpande's vocal prowess.
Special Cover Release by India Post
The centenary celebrations extended beyond the festival, culminating on March 9 with a significant event at the Kolkata General Post Office. India Post released a special cover to honor Annapurna Devi's birth centenary, a ceremony graced by distinguished guests including Sukriti Gupta, Director of Postal Services for the Kolkata Region, and noted musician Nityanand Haldipur.
This tribute, occurring just a day after International Women's Day, added a layer of profound significance, highlighting the recognition of a female maestro in a field often dominated by male figures. It underscored the enduring impact of Annapurna Devi's contributions to the arts.
Voices from the Festival
Reflecting on the event, flautist and disciple Nityanand Haldipur expressed hope for continued support from Kolkata's music community. "We hope this wonderful event receives the presence and support of classical music lovers in the city," he stated. "Your presence will not only be a testament to your love for music but will also encourage the artists. This honour from India Post has added a new dimension to this initiative."
The festival not only celebrated Annapurna Devi's legacy but also reinforced Kolkata's status as a bastion of classical music, inspiring future generations to cherish and preserve India's rich musical heritage.
