24/12/2024
🎵 The magical 70th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav 2024!
This year was even more special as it marked my 17th year attending this extraordinary festival — a pilgrimage that continues to enrich my soul. With over 10,000 people in attendance, I am certain this is the largest gathering of Hindustani classical music aficionados, a testament to the timeless appeal and unifying power of our rich musical heritage. Let me share some unforgettable moments from these five days of pure classical bliss:
Day 1
The festival opened with the mesmerizing Carnatic violin by Dr. L Subramaniam and his son Ambi, setting a soulful tone. The evening peaked with Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty’s heart-stirring rendition of Raag Bihag. His "चिंता ना करे, अल्लाह करम करे" transported the audience to spiritual bliss, while "झुम झाम धुम धाम – घर आई गोरी गोकुल नगरी" had everyone swaying in delight. He concluded with the evocative "बैठे सोचे ब्रज बाम, सूना लागे मोरा धाम, नाही आये घन श्याम, घीर आयी कारी बदरी."
Day 2
Few artists combine mastery with modesty like Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, whose divine music reflected his pure devotion to the art. The 71-year-old maestro from Dharwad left the audience spellbound with Raag Maru Bihag and Kaunsi Kanada. His affectionate treatment of the slow-tempo "रसिया, आयो ना" in Maru Bihag brought approving nods, while "मन मे रहो मोरा जियरा" showcased his exceptional artistry.
His majestic rendition of "राजन के राजा श्री रामचंद्र/ जगत उद्धारण जन प्रतिपालन" in Kaunsi Kanada created a deeply spiritual atmosphere, followed by the moving "काहे करत मोसे बरजोरी." He ended with two devotional pieces, "कैलास वास गौरीष ईशा शंभो" and "विठाबाई माझ्या पंढरीची आई," leaving the audience in awe.
Earlier, Anupama Bhagwat made a memorable debut, exploring the emotional depth of Raag Jhinjhoti. Dedicated to her late guru Bimalendu Mukherjee and reflecting on the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, her performance balanced celebration and separation, deeply moving the audience.
Day 3
The all-women ensemble 'Mohini' opened the day with grace. Purbayan Chatterjee, true to his promise, paid tribute to Shakti without explicitly naming Ustad Zakir Hussain. His Mishra Pahadi compositions, "सैयां बिन घर सुना लगे, याद पिया की आये" and "केसरिया बालमा," were deeply evocative. Hearing him sing a few lines was a delightful surprise.
Arati Ankalikar ji’s exploration of Raag Nand culminated in the eternal abhang "अवघा रंग एक झाला," an emotional tribute to her guru, Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar.
Day 4
Anand Bhate took the audience on a spiritual journey with his sublime Raag Puriya Kalyan. His "जोहार मायबाप जोहार" resonated deeply, leaving everyone in awe. The highlight of the day was witnessing Kaushiki Chakraborty perform alongside her 13-year-old son Rish*th Desikan in Raag Bihag. The pride in Kaushiki’s eyes as she guided her son through a slow composition was as moving as the music itself — a moment of tradition passed down through love.
Kaushiki’s playful exploration of "झुम" reached emotional depths, supported brilliantly by Tanmay Deochakke (harmonium), Satyajit Talwalkar (tabla), and Murad Ali Khan (sarangi). The performance concluded with a light composition and the meditative chant "Hari Om Tatsa."
The day ended on a high with Rakesh Chaurasia’s mesmerizing flute performance.
Day 5
The grand finale began with Sanjeev Abhyankar's soul-stirring Raag Ahir Bhairav. Performances by Shashank Subramanyam (flute) and R Kumresh (violin) added depth to the day. A touching tribute to Prabha Atre by her students brought the festival to a heartfelt close.
Reflections
This year, the festival carried extra significance as many artists paid homage to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain. His absence was deeply felt, but his spirit lived on in every performance, transcending technical brilliance to reach emotional and spiritual heights.
Every year, Sawai is a journey — not just through music but through the soul. This year reminded me of why I’ve returned for 17 years. The sight of over 10,000 people united by their love for Hindustani classical music was profoundly moving. Each day offered moments that felt eternal, from the simplicity of Pt. Venkatesh Kumar’s craft to the emotional bond between Kaushiki and Rish*th.
Music, as always, transcended its form to become a bridge to spiritual bliss. Until next year, Sawai! 🎶
Do watch short clips of key moments I have captured...
Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav Ajoy Chakrabarty Kaushiki Chakraborty Purbayan Chatterjee
