The vibrant spirit of Kashi came alive in the heart of Nagpur as the three-day Banaras Utsav drew to a successful close at the Chitnavis Centre this Tuesday. The festival offered a profound cultural immersion, connecting Nagpur's art enthusiasts with the timeless traditions of Banaras through an exquisite tapestry of music, dance, rituals, and spiritual practices.
A Spiritual Anchor: The Daily Ganga Aarti
The festival's spiritual core was the daily Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed by a group of priests specially invited from Banaras. The rhythmic chants, perfectly synchronized movements, and the gentle glow of countless lamps masterfully recreated the sacred atmosphere of the Varanasi ghats. This authentic experience proved to be a major draw, attracting large and captivated audiences on all three days of the celebration.
A Musical Odyssey Through Banaras Gharanas
The auditory journey of the utsav beautifully traversed the classical, semi-classical, and folk traditions rooted deeply in the Banaras gharana. Renowned vocalist Pt Bhuvanesh Komkali presented a thoughtfully structured recital titled 'Sagun to Nirgun'. His performance explored profound devotional philosophies through the timeless compositions of Sant Tulsidas and Sant Kabir.
Adding to the richness, eminent artiste Indrani Mukherjee delivered a nuanced rendition of Purab Ang Thumri, highlighting the expressive subtleties characteristic of the Banaras style. She was expertly accompanied by Pt Vinod Lele on tabla and Pt Vinay Mishra on harmonium, whose contributions added deep rhythmic and melodic layers to the presentation.
Celebrating Living Heritage and Folk Traditions
The festival was a curated celebration of Banaras's living heritage, jointly organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Chitnavis Centre, and the Banaras Cultural Foundation. The program proudly included regional gems like Birha songs and vibrant dance forms.
Dr Mannu Yadav, a Ustad Bismillah Khan National Youth Award winner, along with his talented troupe, captivated the audience with energetic and colorful presentations of authentic Banaras folk traditions, showcasing the region's dynamic cultural fabric.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Navneet Raman, chairman of the Banaras Cultural Foundation; Abhijit Dixit, director of IGNCA Varanasi; and Vilas Kale, trustee of the Chitnavis Centre. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort behind this cultural bridge. Ultimately, the three-day Banaras Utsav served as a powerful and immersive encounter, successfully bringing the enduring spirit and artistic soul of Banaras to the people of Nagpur.
