The second day of the three-day 48th Annual Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan, organised by the Indian National Theatre in association with the Durga Das Foundation, was held at the auditorium of Strawberry Fields High School in Sector 26, Chandigarh. The day featured captivating performances by classical vocalist Shruti Vishwakarma Marathe and sitarist Ayan Sengupta.
Before the commencement of the programme, Indian National Theatre President Anil Nehru and Honorary Secretary Vinita Gupta welcomed all the music lovers attending the concert.
The programme opened on a soulful note with a classical vocal recital by Shurti Vishwakarma Marathe, who captivated the audience with her rich voice, intricate musical expressions and graceful command over the classical repertoire. She began with Raga Durga, presenting the Bada Khayal, “Durvi Durge Data Karo”, set to Teentaal, a composition by Vidushi Dr. Veena Sahasrabuddhe. With its serene unfolding and devotional depth, the rendition created an atmosphere of musical devotion.
She then moved to the Madhyalaya Khayal, “Ambe Durge Daya Nidhe”, set to Addha Teentaal, a composition by Pt. Kashinath Bodas. This was followed by a lively Tarana in Drut Teentaal, “Udani Tadani Dara Deem”, composed by Pt. Balwantray Bhatt, which showcased her command over rhythm, intricate taans and the fluidity of classical vocal music.
Next she presented a rare and beautiful composition in Raga Kafi, distinguished by its unique blend of Tappa and Bandish, reflecting the rich musical heritage of the Gwalior Gharana. She concluded her recital with the evocative Nirgun Bhajan, “Man Laga Yaar Fakiri Mein”, bringing the performance to a contemplative and spiritually uplifting close. Her nuanced singing and expressive presentation resonated with the audience, who appreciated the recital with warm applause.
Shruti Vishwakarma Marathe is a talented young vocalist in the field of Indian classical music. Born into a family with a rich musical heritage, she inherited her musical legacy from her grandfather, Shri Narayan Shastri Godbole.
She also received early training from her parents Ganpatrao Vishwakarma and Jayanti Vishwakarma. Shruti trained in the Gwalior gharana style of classical singing under the guidance of the late Dr. (Smt.) Veena Sahasrabuddhe. She subsequently received advanced musical training from the late Pandit Kedar Bodas and studied music through the traditional gurukul system at the Dr. Gangubai Hangal Gurukul in Hubballi.
Her khayal singing reflects a beautiful blend of the Kirana and Gwalior gharana traditions.
Following her performance, sitarist Ayan Sengupta took the stage with Raga Hemant, composed by guru, Baba Allauddin Khan Sahab, and rooted in the rich Senia-Maihar Gharana tradition. He began with a soulful Alap and Jor, gradually unfolding the depth and beauty of the raga. This was followed by a melodious Vilambit Gat and an energetic Drut Gat in Teentaal. His soulful renditions, intricate taans and masterful command over the sitar captivated the audience, leaving music lovers enthralled. The audience thoroughly enjoyed his performance and responded with warm applause, appreciating the depth, rhythm and expressive beauty of his music.
Ayan Sengupta is a renowned and accomplished sitarist. He honed his musical skills under the guidance of eminent gurus such as Pandit Manilal Nag and Pandit Kushal Das. He is currently a music teacher at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy. He has also received guidance from Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Partha Chatterjee.
Shruti Vishwakarma Marathe was accompanied on the tabla by Vinod Lele and on the harmonium by Promita Mukherjee. Ayan Sengupta was ably accompanied on the tabla by Abhishek Mishra.
The Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan is being organised for all music enthusiasts, and admission to the event is free.
On the concluding day of the conference, October 10, Hemant Pendse will present a mesmerising classical vocal recital at 11:00 AM.
