Bhakti, already articulated, acknowledged and
practiced as one of the paths to attain
truth and reach God in the Indian thought
and spirituality came to occupy a centrality
in the sub – continent about a millennium
ago. Bhakti movements were carried across
the sub-continent by Sufis, saints, minstrels,
bards, and singers, providing solace and
succor, peace and meditative moments to
all who answered its call.
Just as Bhakti was plural and promoted
the plurality of expression in art and
music, in poetry and theatre, in dance
and painting- the Bhakti Utsav is a three
day festival of music, dedicated to Pt.
Kumar Gandharva, celebrating diverse ways
of reaching out and beyond. From Sanskrit
chants to bhajans in folk and popular
traditions, from Sufiana Qawwali to bauls
and Dhrupad, from singing verses of Kabir,
Sur, Tulsi, Meera, the saint poets of
the North, to Carnatic devotional compositions,
the utsav presents a truly bewildering
variety, richness and intensity of music
prevalent in many parts of contemporary
India through its many voices and intonations,
from individual prayer to community chants,
cutting across all regions, sects, religions
and faiths. |
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