The 23rd Balgandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, commemorating the celebrated musician Narayan Rajhans (Balgandharva), kicks off tomorrow (January 3) at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Theatre, Jalgaon. Organised by the Vasantrao Chandorkar Pratishthan, the festival is a cherished event for classical music and dance enthusiasts in Khandesh.
Unique tribute to Balgandharva
This festival is named after Balgandharva, who spent his childhood in Jalgaon. He is honoured through this music festival, which is the only one in the country dedicated to him.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Deepak Chandorkar, an executive trustee of the Pratishthan, said, “This festival has gained recognition as a cultural benchmark in Maharashtra. It has introduced classical music to younger generations while being equally cherished by senior citizens.”
Inauguration and first day’s performances
The festival begins at 7pm with an inauguration by Jalgaon Collector Ayush Prasad. Chief guests include Satish Madane, chairman of Jalgaon Janata Cooperative Bank, Rajesh Gadgil of Western India Chemicals, and Central Bank’s regional manager, AV Raman Murthy.
The opening session features Bengaluru-based sisters Reshma and Ramaiya Bhat presenting classical and semi-classical vocal performances, accompanied by Abhinav Ravande on harmonium and Ramkrushna Karamblekar on tabla. It will be followed by a unique flute-and-vocal juggling act by Kolkata’s Anirban Roy (15) and his sister, Maitreyi Roy, accompanied by tabla player Reempa Shiva.
Weekend highlights
Jan 4 (Saturday): Young vocalist Anirudh Aital from Bengaluru will perform in the first session, followed by a Kathak recital by Shinjini Kulkarni, granddaughter of Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Jan 5 (Sunday): Reempa Shiva, honoured as the “Tabla Queen,” will present a solo tabla recital. The festival will conclude with a duet by violinist Nandini Shankar and geoshred artist Mahesh Raghavan.
Recognised as a platform for national and international talent, the Balgandharva Sangeet Mahotsav continues to inspire music lovers across generations.
