The city of Kolkata recently resonated with the sublime notes of India's classical heritage during the three-day Swara Samrat Festival. Held from Friday to Sunday at the iconic Nazrul Mancha, the event marked its significant 13th anniversary with a grand celebration of music and dance. Organized by the Shree Ranjani Foundation under the leadership of Padma Shri Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar and his family, the festival served as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of the Swara Samrat Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.
A Gathering of Musical Luminaries
The opening ceremony set a prestigious tone, drawing an array of eminent personalities from the Indian classical arts scene. The gathering included legendary figures such as Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, Pandit L Subrahmanyam, vocalist Kavita Krishnamurti, tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, and Minister Snehasish Chakraborty. A poignant segment of the evening was dedicated to paying special homage to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain. This tribute saw moving performances by renowned percussionists Ustad Taufiq Qureshi, Pandit Bickram Ghosh, and Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia, who collectively honored the memory of the tabla virtuoso.
Highlights of Artistic Brilliance
Spread across three enchanting evenings, the festival curated a diverse palette of performances that showcased the depth of India's classical traditions. The stage witnessed unique collaborations and solo acts that captivated the audience.
Notable performances included a captivating sitar–sarod duet by Samanyu Sarkar and Abhishek Lahiri. Dance enthusiasts were treated to a magnificent Kathak–Bharatanatyam collaboration between Pandit Rajendra Gangani and Vidushi Rama Vaidyanathan. One of the festival's rare treats was a special ensemble featuring the melodious Kavita Krishnamurti alongside Odissi dancer Sujata Mohapatra and tabla exponent Tanmoy Bose.
The grand finale on the closing evening was a performance by the festival's guiding force, Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar on the sarod, accompanied by the impeccable Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri on tabla. This was followed by a presentation by his students, guided by Indrayudh Majumdar, symbolizing the passing of the torch to the next generation.
Reflections and Continuing Legacy
The festival successfully provided a prestigious platform for both established and emerging artistes to present timeless compositions. Reflecting the city's deep connection with the arts, noted vocalist Kavita Krishnamurti shared her affection, stating, “Kolkata feels like a holy land to me; I must have been Bengali in a past life.”
By bringing together masters like Pt Ulhas Kashalkar, Pt Bickram Ghosh, Ustad Taufiq Qureshi, and Pt Tanmoy Bose, the 13th Swara Samrat Festival reinforced Kolkata's position as a vital crucible for Indian classical music and dance. It underscored the continuing relevance of these ancient art forms, ensuring that the legacy of maestros like Ustad Ali Akbar Khan continues to inspire future generations.
