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The third day of the 70th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav at Maharashtriya Mandal Krida Sankul began with the Mohini Music Ensemble, an all-women music band.
Their presentation of Raga Bhimpalasi captivated listeners, which was followed by a jugalbandi of tabla and pakhawaj, in a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain. The ensemble concluded with the bhajan ‘Maze Maher Pandhari; honouring Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
Next, Viraj Joshi, grandson of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, presented Raga Puriya. His soulful rendition of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s abhang ‘Tuzi Ghongandi Changali Re’ was met with applause. Accompanying him were stalwarts Pandurang Pawar on tabla, Avinash Dighe on harmonium and Dnyaneshwar Dudhane on pakhawaj.
The evening’s highlight was a sitar performance by Purbayan Chatterjee. Presenting Raga Shyam Kalyan and Mishra Kafi, he ended with ‘Saiya Bina Ghar Suna Sawariya’, accompanied by Ojas Adhiya on tabla, which earned him a standing ovation.
Closing the day was Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar, who delivered an emotional rendition of Raga Nand and Raga Bhairavi. Her performance ended on a high note with the bhajan ‘Avagha Rang Ek Zala’, accompanied by Suyog Kundalkar on harmonium and Pandurang Pawar on tabla.