Pandit Dwari: Keeping tradition alive

Ranchi, July 26: A grand show will see artistes from across the region conglomerate for a special concert for music lovers in the state capital this weekend.

It will be a symphony of ragas — the tabla, flute and sitar will accompany soothing vocals at Sangeet Shiksha Kendra, a music institute that will organise a classical evening on July 29.

Scheduled to begin at 7.30pm, the concert will be held at Durga Bati, situated on Ranchi Main Road, said Preyoshree Roy, an organiser of the show.

“The evening is special in many ways. Apart from being a grand assembly of virtuoso artistes from all over the state and nearby regions, it is a tribute to our gurus or mentors,” she said.

The day has a special significance to it. “We had chosen July 29 as Guru Purnima falls on this day. Keeping in mind the significance of the day, each one of us shall commemorate the occasion to our respective mentors,” Preyoshree added.

The evening, which will be graced by leading artistes of the state, has many interesting performances.

On the flute will be Shri Mithelesh from Patna, the disciple of the famous Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia while Amitav Choudhary of Calcutta, who had Pandit Ravi Shankar as his teacher will be on the sitar.

Sudarshan Priyadarshi of Patna, who has been trained by the late Ramparvesh Singh and Samsher Singh, will also perform.

Nevertheless, the evening, which is open for all, has one very special attraction. Renowned vocalist Pandit Mukund Dutt Dwari of the Kirana gharana shall perform at the gala evening.

Pandit Dwari, who belongs to the small town of Deoghar, is the contemporary of the widely-acclaimed playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Both have been trained under the late Ustad Amir Khan Sahib.

Rajiv Kar, who has rented his house at Kantatoli Chowk for the Sangeet Shiksha Kendra, also the brainchild behind the programme.

“On demand of students, Pandit Dwari visits Ranchi every month for a week. Students from nearby places visit the capital during this time just to learn from him. The lessons they receive during the session are really special,” said Kar.

On the day after the musical evening, a custom called ganda would be performed.

“This involves the tying a thread to the student. It is only after this that a student becomes the disciple of a particular teacher,” said an organiser.