The inaugural day of the Bazm-e-Virasat festival transformed into a vibrant tapestry of memory, laughter, and spiritual introspection, offering a profound glimpse into the very soul of Prayagraj. The event, a dedicated celebration of the city's intangible heritage, was marked by two standout sessions – 'Lantarani' and 'Saints of Allahabad' – and culminated in a deeply moving Nirgun recital by Padma Shri awardee Prahlad Tipanya and his group. Together, they presented attendees with a rare blend of intellectual depth, collective nostalgia, and spiritual resonance.
Lantarani: A Riotous Walk Down Memory Lane
The much-anticipated Lantarani session, coordinated by Anshu Malviya, served as a lively oral history project. It featured Yash Malviya, Abhai Awasthi, Dhananjay Chopra, and Asif Usmani, who regaled the audience with colourful anecdotes that reflected the city's distinctive language, temperament, and way of life. The session quickly evolved into a collective act of remembering, with the hall frequently echoing with laughter and murmurs of recognition.
Yash Malviya shared generational stories, including the famous witty banter between Banaras and Prayagraj regarding the "mixed waters" of the Ganga and Yamuna. He also paid homage to legendary local figures like Maharajin of Bua, who served for decades at Rasulabad Ghat, and the beloved poet of the masses, Kailash Gautam, drawing warm applause.
However, Abhai Awasthi's narration about the eccentric Khunti Guru became a major highlight. He recalled a widely reported incident from a past Maha Kumbh period when Khunti Guru was found unconscious and presumed dead near the Roadways area. As preparations for his last rites were in full swing—with Brahmins invited and the neighbourhood gathered—the man suddenly reappeared alive, stunning everyone. This anecdote, once published in The Times of India, sent waves of laughter across the hall, perfectly encapsulating the city's affection for its quirky characters.
Adding further charm, Dhananjay Chopra of Allahabad University reminisced about his journalistic days, narrating how a creative headline linked to a photograph of Amitabh Bachchan showing his thumb became a widely discussed topic. The engaged audience response throughout reinforced the idea of Prayagraj as "a city of experiments."
Saints of Allahabad: Contemplating Sufism and Civilisational Ethos
The mood shifted from humour to thoughtful introspection during the 'Saints of Allahabad' session. Professor N.R. Farooqui delved into the essence of Sufism, describing Prophet Muhammad as the first Sufi. He emphasised that the tradition spread through love, service, and moral example, consciously staying away from royal courts and political power. He highlighted the historical presence of Sufi thought in the Prayag–Kaushambi region.
Renowned social scientist Professor Badri Narayan framed Prayagraj as a unique civilisational space—a city shaped not by kings or war, but by yagnas (rituals), dialogue, and wisdom. He portrayed it as a counterpoint to political authority, a place where ethical scrutiny and collective reflection have historically thrived.
A Spiritual Finale and Poetic Evening
The day concluded on a spiritually resonant note with Padma Shri Prahlad Tipanya's soulful Nirgun recital. His devotional singing held the audience in rapt attention, providing a deeply fulfilling and meditative close to the opening day's proceedings.
The event later continued with a Mushaira (poetry symposium) attended by noted poets including Shakeel Azmi, Sampat Saral, Rajesh Reddy, and Azhar Iqbal, adding another layer of cultural richness to the festival's first day.
