Kolkata, 22nd Sept, 2024 – In a heartwarming celebration of India’s rich classical music heritage, Sw. Pt. Bundi Maharaj Sangeet Vidyapeeth presented “Guru Shraddhanjali,” a tribute to three legendary Gurus: Sw. Pt. Bundi Maharaj, the Tabla Samrat; Sw. Pt. Mohan Lal Mishra, the Sangeet Shiromani; and Sw. Pt. Damodar Mishra, the Gayan Acharya. This special event honored their unparalleled contributions to Indian classical music, with a series of stunning performances by distinguished artists.
The concert featured an extraordinary lineup, including a classical duet by the celebrated Pt. Deepak Mishra and Pt. Prakash Mishra, who delivered a performance filled with soul and technical brilliance. Hailing from Kabir Chaura in Varanasi, these 15th-generation musicians of the Benaras Gharana specialize in khayal gayaki. Their family’s rich musical legacy, passed down through more than 500 years from their grandfather Pt. Damodar Mishra and father Sangeet Shiromani Pt. Mohan Lal Mishra, continues to thrive through their artistry. With their mellifluous voices and mastery of ragas, the brothers are torchbearers of the Benaras Gharana and have performed worldwide, preserving the Guru-Shishya parampara while imparting their knowledge to students in Kolkata and Varanasi.
Accompanying the duo was sitarist Shri Shubhanker Ghosh, whose intricate sitar melodies beautifully complemented the performance. The evening’s rhythm was anchored by the legendary tabla maestro Pt. Gopal Mishra, whose mastery of the tabla resonated with every beat.
Reflecting on the emotional tribute, Pt. Deepak Mishra said, “It is a true honor to perform in memory of the Gurus who have shaped our journey as musicians. Their teachings remain a guiding force in our lives, and today’s performance was a humble offering to their legacy.”Pt. Prakash Mishra added, “The essence of the Guru-shishya tradition lies in the deep respect and love we hold for our mentors. We hope the audience felt the profound connection we share with our Gurus through our music. Their blessings are the foundation of every note we played tonight.”
The musical program unfolded with an ensemble in Raag Vrindavani Sarang, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. This was followed by captivating ensembles in Raag Bhimpalashri and Raag Patdeep, showcasing the artists’ deep understanding and interpretation of these timeless ragas. A poignant rendition of Swardhaara Bhajan brought a devotional spirit to the proceedings, evoking a sense of tranquility.
One of the highlights of the evening was a classical solo in Raag Multani, where the soloist captivated the audience with their emotional depth and exquisite technical proficiency. The performance concluded with powerful ensembles in Raag Puriya Kalyan and Raag Shyam Kalyan, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The accompanying artists—Rajnarayan Bhattacharya, Krishnendu Paul, Sandeep Dubey, Shubham Mishra, and Sayan Chatterjee—provided exceptional musical support, enhancing the overall experience and contributing to the evening’s success.
The “Guru Shraddhanjali” concert not only celebrated the musical achievements of the artists but also served as a profound tribute to the Gurus whose teachings continue to inspire generations of musicians. The event was a fitting homage to their invaluable contributions to Indian classical music.