BY RUCHIRA GHOSH

This winter, music lovers and culture enthusiasts in New Delhi and its surrounding areas were treated to a spectacular mega musical event during a chilly mid-November weekend. The inaugural World Music Concert was organized by the Bengal Association, an autonomous body dedicated to preserving Bengali language, music, and cultural heritage for millions in the diaspora.

The venue for this grand occasion was the Meghdoot Amphitheatre, located in Mandi House, the cultural heart of the capital. This year notably marks the centenary of the legendary Salil Chowdhury (1925-1995), a multifaceted music director, songwriter, composer, and lyricist. Decades after his passing, his melodies continue to resonate in the hearts of countless fans. Chowdhury was a master whose compositions seamlessly blended Western symphonies with indigenous folk and classical music, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

In tribute to Chowdhury’s genius, the association conceived a unique music festival that transcended boundaries and language barriers. Prodip Ganguly, General Secretary of the Bengal Association, shared, “We don’t want to limit ourselves to Bengali music or its speakers, nor confine our reach to a city or locality. Our goal is to foster appreciation for quality music among the largest audience possible, as music’s universal appeal makes this feasible.”

Dr. Amitava Mukherjee, a connoisseur of performing arts and head of the Kalyani Preeti Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s diverse offerings: “The concept of blending various musical forms on one platform is intriguing. The festival features a fabulous range, from the Bauls of Bengal to Qawwali by the Niyazi Brothers and Hindustani vocal performances by Dr. Subhadra Desai, complemented by dance from Kathak maestro Pandit Krishna Mohan Maharaj. It promises to be a fascinating event.”

And truly, the two-day festival was an enriching experience. Artists from rural Bengal, Uttar Pradesh—a hub of Hindustani classical music—and even distant lands like Iran, Afghanistan, and Congo graced the stage.

The gala event attracted a distinguished audience, including eminent former and current diplomats, bureaucrats, Kathak exponent Vidushi Sovana Narayan—who inaugurated the event—flautist Pt Rajendra Prasanna, and acclaimed film personality Adil Hussein.

The show began with the ceremonial blowing of conch shells, which, in various cultures, symbolize a connection to the sea. This was followed by the sound of the Dhaak, an ethnic drum associated with religious occasions, resonating with a soulful appeal.

Performances included Baul songs, an eclectic mix of Sufism and a quest for divine love, followed by a mesmerizing Kathak dance piece titled Sabrang, presented by Pt Krishna Mohan Maharaj and his team. The night continued with Deepak Castelino, a Delhi-based guitarist, paying tribute to Chowdhury through renditions of his famous compositions, including “Dhitang 2 bole” and “Ae mere pyare watan.” Vocalist Abdullah Safa enchanted the audience with love songs in Pashto, evoking the rugged beauty of Afghanistan, while Romeo Kiseke from the Democratic Republic of Congo added lively guitar tunes.

The finale featured an instrumental fusion performance by Neel Ranjan Mukherjee (guitar), Gauri Mishra (piano), Himanshu Dutt (flute), Shariq Mustafa (tabla), and Dhiraj Kapoor (percussion).

On Day 2, Sina Fakhroddin captivated the audience with traditional Iranian percussion sounds from the Daf and Tombak, enhancing the amphitheater’s tranquil atmosphere.

Vidushi Vaswati Mishra of the Lucknow Kathak Gharana held the audience spellbound with her flawless performances, followed by Dr. Subhadra Desai, whose mellifluous renditions included notable pieces like “Adharam Madhuram” from the esteemed Madhurashtakam.

The penultimate section showcased a musical quartet featuring Madan Gopal Singh (poet-composer-vocalist), Amjad Khan (percussion), Pritam Ghoshal (sarod), and Castelino. The event concluded with a magnificent performance by Qawwali singers Shahid and Sami Niazi from Rampur Gharana and their associates.

In conclusion, the concert was a commendable endeavor, showcasing the talents of artists, accompanying musicians, and the dedicated team behind the scenes. We eagerly anticipate more such spectacular musical events in the future!