Ruhaniyat's Silver Jubilee Edition Celebrates Global Mystical Music Heritage
The prestigious Ruhaniyat – Seeking the Divine festival marked its remarkable 25th anniversary with a spectacular showcase that deeply resonated with music enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. Held at the picturesque Empress Botanical Garden in Pune, this landmark edition powerfully reinforced the event's enduring commitment to honoring and preserving India's rich tapestry of folk, Sufi, and mystical musical traditions.
A Confluence of Cultures and Spiritual Expressions
Over its quarter-century journey, Ruhaniyat has evolved into a significant cultural confluence, consistently bringing together talented artistes from across India and the globe. This silver jubilee edition was no exception, featuring a meticulously curated lineup that beautifully illustrated themes of unity, profound longing, heartfelt devotion, and the essential oneness of all existence. The festival serves as a vital platform where diverse mystical traditions converge, creating a unique auditory and spiritual experience for all attendees.
Diverse Lineup of International and Indian Artistes
The 25th edition presented an exceptionally diverse array of performances that spanned continents and traditions:
- So Said the Mystics of Gujarat: Hemant Chauhan and his group delivered captivating performances rooted in Gujarat's mystical heritage, offering deep insights into regional spiritual expressions.
- The Melodic River Flows On: Yip Hei Man from Hong Kong mesmerized audiences with the enchanting sounds of the Guzheng, demonstrating how traditional Chinese instrumentation can evoke universal spiritual themes.
- Qawwali Excellence: The Warsi Brothers and their group from Hyderabad presented powerful Qawwali renditions that showcased the devotional intensity and musical complexity of this beloved Sufi tradition.
- Whispers Through Rainforests: Tais Reganelli from Brazil brought unique Amazonian influences to the festival, connecting South American spiritual music with broader mystical themes.
- A Glimpse of Baul Worldview: Parvathy Baul from Bengal offered profound performances that illuminated the distinctive philosophy and musical practices of the Baul tradition.
Celebrating India's Spiritual Musical Heritage
At its core, Ruhaniyat remains dedicated to celebrating India's extraordinary folk, Sufi, and mystical traditions—those that speak directly to the human soul's deepest yearnings. The festival's continued success over 25 editions demonstrates the enduring appeal of these musical forms and their ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Each performance served as a testament to how spiritual music can foster understanding, compassion, and connection among diverse communities.
The event photographs were captured by Jignesh Mistry, a photojournalist with Pune Times who specializes in covering entertainment, lifestyle features, news, and interviews. His visual documentation beautifully complemented the auditory experience, preserving the festival's magical moments for posterity.
