Sawai Mahotsav day 3 ends with soulful resonance and structural grandeur

Divine Conversation

Following the Santoor, Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, an artist of the Imdadkhani gharana, took the stage with his sitar. His performance, defined by his signature vocal style, was an intensely moving experience. The sustained resonance and the lyrical intensity created a tapestry of sublime melancholy and rapturous introspection. The performance was further enhanced by mesmerising rhythmic interplay (laykari) with the tabla, showcasing astonishing rhythmic fluidity. This technical and emotional brilliance drew a spontaneous and sustained standing ovation for the Ustad.

Vidushi Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande performs on the third of the 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, in Pune, on Friday. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

The Kirana torchbearer

The stage then welcomed Pandit Shrinivas Joshi, the torchbearer of the Kirana Gharana, who immersed the audience in the contemplative beauty of Raag Puriya. His rendition of the Vilambit Ektaal Bandish, ‘Piya Gunawanta…’, was profound. He followed this with Raag Suha Kanada, flawlessly executing the raga’s signature melodic descent in the Bandish ‘A Daata Ho…’.

The father-son jugalbandi (duet) with Viraj Joshi reached a thrilling crescendo with the devotional Abhanga ‘Anuraniya Thokada…’. This performance, a dialogue between spirit and melody, was so heart-rending and deeply contemplative that the entire hall rose again, honoring the divine legacy. Viraj Joshi’s vocal support was not only mesmerising but displayed a remarkably mature and nuanced hold on his classical delivery. The duo was brilliantly supported by Avinash Dighe (Harmonium), Pandurang Pawar (Tabla), Gambhir Maharaj (Pakhawaj), and Mauli Takalkar (Taal).

Structural Purity and discipline

The Mahotsav reached its culmination with the concluding performance by Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande of the esteemed Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. Her recital was a dazzling finale, rooted in the rigorous discipline and structural mastery of her style, defined by Intricate Laykari (Rhythmic Play) and meticulous, non-ornamental purity. Her intellectually stimulating presentation sustained the atmosphere of deep concentration, providing an illustrious conclusion.

The Voice of the Festival

Artistes articulated the deep significance of this platform: Viraj Joshi reflected: “To get to sing in that atmosphere is also a great blessing.” He stressed the festival’s commitment to new voices: “Music’s biggest importance is that new people should get an opportunity. And people should see them.” Pandit Shrinivas Joshi spoke to its global reach: “From Maharashtra, the country, and foreign countries… some people take leave during this period and come.” Solanki offered advice: “Only practice is the formula for success.”

The day concluded as a powerful testament to the classical root of the Mahotsav, upholding tradition with both respect and forward-looking commitment.

(Meenakshi Jawale is an intern with The Theorist)