The vibrant cultural festival Bazm-e-Virasat drew to a spectacular close in Prayagraj on Sunday, offering a rich tapestry of music, literature, and artistic expression that left attendees both enriched and captivated. The concluding day masterfully blended contemporary fusion with classical roots and intellectual discourse, serving as a powerful tribute to India's diverse cultural legacy.
A Soulful Start with Pakshee's Fusion Melodies
The day's proceedings commenced on an energetic and soulful note with a performance by the accomplished five-member ensemble, Pakshee. Introduced by festival founder Ram Chari, the band is renowned for its unique synthesis of Indian classical music with jazz influences. The group, comprising Tanishque Jarial (lead vocals), Sree Rag (Carnatic vocals), Subhanshu (guitar), Pranay Parti (keyboards), and Shantanu Sudarshan (drums), immediately captivated the audience.
They opened their set with ‘Kyun’ from their 2019 debut album, followed by a stirring rendition of Bulleh Shah's Kafi ‘Ranjhan’. A standout moment was their seamless fusion of Punjabi and Malayalam lyrics carrying the same spiritual essence, creating a trance-like experience for the listeners.
One of the most impactful segments of their performance was a powerful four-song EP that reflected on human encroachment on nature and its psychological impact. Tracks like ‘Pinjra’, ‘Kosh’, and ‘Meri Raah Piya Dekhe Mora Jiya’, marked by evocative poetry and compelling arrangements, offered a deeply introspective experience. The band concluded their set with the finale ‘Balma’, which earned them a resounding standing ovation.
Literary Reflections and Poetic Calm
Adding intellectual depth to the day was a stimulating session titled ‘Allahabad in Literature’, moderated by Yash Malviya. Esteemed academicians Prof Neelam Saran Gaur and Prof Anita Gopesh engaged in a thoughtful discussion, reflecting on Prayagraj's immense literary heritage and its enduring influence on Indian thought and writing.
The cultural richness was further enhanced by a soulful ghazal recital by Rashmi Agarwal. Her poignant rendition resonated deeply with the audience, bringing a wave of poetic calm to the festival grounds. This segment was followed by the engaging ‘Actor's Table’ and the dramatic narration of ‘Dastan-e-Karn’.
A Nostalgic Retro Finale
The evening culminated on a celebratory and nostalgic note with a performance by the band Scintillating Seventies. Led by renowned trumpet player Kishore Sodham and vocalist Ujjaini Roy, the band took the audience on a journey back in time with timeless classics.
Their setlist included beloved hits such as the Sholay title track, ‘Zindagi Kaisi Yeh Paheli’, ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan’, ‘Dream Girl’, ‘Rafta Rafta’, and ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’. Each song evoked fond memories and garnered repeated, enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
With its seamless blend of contemporary fusion music, profound literary discourse, classical poetry, and retro melodies, the concluding day of Bazm-e-Virasat proved to be a fitting and memorable finale. The festival successfully celebrated the enduring and multifaceted spirit of India's cultural landscape, leaving the Prayagraj audience enriched and eagerly awaiting the next edition.
