Varanasi's Sankat Mochan Festival Enthrals with Sarod, Odissi, and Bhajans
The fourth night of the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in Varanasi mesmerised a packed audience on Thursday, featuring a stellar lineup of classical artists. The courtyard of the Sankat Mochan Temple filled early as attendees gathered for an evening of rich cultural performances.
Opening with Sarod Mastery
The programme commenced with a Sarod recital by world-renowned artist Pt Devjyoti Bose from Kolkata. Accompanied by the great tabla player Pt Kumar Bose and his disciple Rohen Bose, Pt Bose began with Raag Mahavir, casting a spell of Gatkari in Teel Taal, setting a high standard for the night.
Odissi Dance Tribute
Kritima Narsingh Rana from Mumbai offered a tribute from the chapters of Shiv Stuti Ramcharit Manas through an Odissi dance performance. Her graceful movements and expressive storytelling added a visual dimension to the musical evening.
Carnatic Fusion and Bhajan Delight
Following this, a Vaadya Chaubandi in Carnatic style ragas featured Pt U Rajesh on Mandolin, Pt Rajesh Vaidya on Saraswati Veena, Pt Ojash Adhiya on Tabla, and Mohan Ram on Mridangam. In the fourth presentation, Bhajan Samrat Pt Anup Jalota graced the stage, opening his treasure trove of bhajans and fully capitalising on the listeners' sentiment with soulful renditions.
Santoor and Vocal Performances
Senior santoor player Pt Satish Vyas set a mesmerising mood by rendering Raag Kaushik Dhwani. After the Aalap, he concluded his recital by playing Vilambit, Madhya, and Drut Gat in Teen Taal, accompanied by first-time entrant Pt Aditya Kalyanpur.
Senior vocalist of the Kirana Gharana, Pt Ajay Pohankar, concluded the first chapter of his vocal performance with a Bada Khayal set in Ektal in Raag Charukeshi, followed by a Chhota Khayal in Teen Taal. He then presented several Thumris in brief form, accompanied by Pt Sanju Sahay on tabla, Pt Dharmnath Mishra on Sanvadini, and Vinayak Sahay on Sarangi.
Concluding with Heart-Touching Raag
The evening concluded with a heart-touching rendition of Raag Komal Rishabh Asavari by Pt Jayateerth Meunhi. He gave a pause to his vocal performance with a Bada Khayal set in Ektal and a Drut Chhota Khayal set in Teental, accompanied by Pandurang Pawar on tabla, Pt Vinay Mishra on Sanvadini, and Vinayak Sahay on Sarangi. In the next phase of singing, he presented Raag Miyan Ki Todi set in Teen Taal and concluded his presentation with a bhajan, leaving the audience spellbound.
