Bhubaneswar, Aug. 1: The capital city has been celebrating the monsoons with musical evenings.

After a couple of concerts organised in the past few weeks, it was Malhar— the Raga of Rain— a musical concert organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at Rabindra Mandap that offered ancient compositions romancing the rains.

Talented young vocalist Nazia Alam opened the evening with the recital of one of the most popular Odia compositions on rains Barasa rasa nayana.

Though veterans have rendered the song in many memorable styles many times before, Nazia added freshness to it, especially lending emotions of romance.

The music for this song was composed by Guru Ramhari Das. Nazia also performed a light vocal item, Barasa jhara jhara on raga Malhar composed by Guru Keshab Chandra Rout.

The audience also got a chance to hear more classic tunes by the father and daughter duo of Keshab Rout and Sursarita Rout.

Sursarita rendered a poignant version of Hela barasa dure rahile on raga Bajrakanti.

Her melodious recitals on chhanda compositions were also appreciated by the listeners. Ramani ratana meghaku chanhi was especially appreciated. The audience also enjoyed the duets.

“We are lucky to get chances to listen to Odissi and light classical music based on the monsoons. A music lover could not have asked for anything better in such dreamy weather,” said Bandana Moharana, a member of the audience.

One of the most striking recitals of the evening was that of Bibekananda Rout, who entertained the viewers with classics such as E ghora barasa kaale.

This piece by Upendra Bhanja gives an insight into natural beauty during monsoon while comparing the feelings the rains incite in lovers. The singer’s sonorous voice kept the listeners spellbound during the performance.

“It is heartening to see the music lovers in the city attending our concerts even during heavy rains. The response has prompted us to hold musical evenings regularly so that Odissi music is promoted through such events,” said Minakshi Mishra, the regional director of ICCR.