From Raag Bhairav at Dawn to Bengali Melodies at Dusk: Lucknow’s Musical Evening Enchants All

Lucknow, Feb 2:Lucknow came alive with music and culture on Sunday as the “Sahartakda Festival” at Raja Rampal Singh Park in Kaiserbagh captivated attendees from dawn till dusk. The event showcased the city’s deep-rooted connection with classical music, blending the serenity of nature with the magic of melodies.

The early morning session, held as the first light of day touched the city and birds chirped in harmony, featured Ustad Irfan Mohammad Khan from the Shahjahanpur gharana on sarod, and Ustad Ilmas Hussain Khan from the Lucknow gharana on tabla. The duo enthralled the audience with a soulful rendition of Raag Bhairav, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment.

Music Beyond Bricks and Stones
The program opened with remarks from Prof. Mandavi Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Bhatkhande Sanskriti University, who highlighted Lucknow’s rich musical heritage, noting that the city is not merely defined by its bricks and stones but also by its living legacy of melody and rhythm. Following this, Ustad Irfan Mohammad Khan performed a fast-paced bandish in Raag Bhairav, originally composed by his forebear, Shafqat Khan. The performance seamlessly transitioned to Raag Bhairavi, with Ustad Ilmas Hussain Khan complementing the sarod’s intricate phrases with masterful tabla rhythms. His execution of uthaan, kaida, rela, and tihai, along with the signature ‘rang’, showcased the distinctive style of the Lucknow gharana.

Bengali Songs Add Spiritual Depth
As evening descended, Borno Ananyo transported the audience on a spiritual and emotional journey through Bengali music. The program opened with Durbi Shah’s soulful song “Namaz Amar Hoilo Nam Aday”, portraying a humble devotee’s direct conversation with the Divine. This was followed by Chandi Das’s composition “Dhairyo Jo Naam Dhurite”, evoking the poignant separation of Radha and Krishna, with Radha’s message of patience resonating deeply with the listeners.

The festival, blending classical Indian music and regional folk traditions, offered attendees a unique cultural and spiritual experience, highlighting Lucknow’s enduring legacy as a city where music and heritage thrive together.