Dehradun – The 14th day of the Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023 commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Shri R.K. Singh, General Secretary of REACH Virasat, and other members.
The cultural program unfolded with Abhishek Borkar’s soulful Sarod performance, beginning with Raag Bihag and transitioning seamlessly to Rupak in Raag Todi, accompanied by a Teen Taal Bandish. Pandit Shubh Maharaj ji skillfully played the tabla in harmony with Abhishek’s melodies.
Abhishek Borkar, born in Pune, immersed himself in music from a young age. Trained in singing and tabla at four, he later mastered the sarod under his father and guru, Pandit Shekhar Borkar Ji. Abhishek’s musical journey, marked by discipline and dedication, took a significant turn at the age of ten when he showcased his talent in his debut concert. His stellar performance earned him recognition, leading to accolades such as the C.C.R.T. Award, National Talent Scholarship, and the Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar Youth Award in 2019.
A versatile musician, Abhishek has been enchanting audiences since 2002, showcasing a unique blend of sarod, sitar, and Hindustani music. His debut album, “Pratibha,” released in 2009, further solidified his place in the world of classical music.
The second presentation featured the enchanting Hindustani classical music of Piu Mukherjee. With a captivating performance in various ragas and compositions, Piu started with Raag Jog, weaving through Taal Bandish and presenting further Bandishes in three Taals. Accompanied by Mithilesh Jha on tabla, Dharmanath Mishra on harmonium, and Shubham ji on tanpura, Piu Mukherjee ji, born in Howrah, West Bengal, carried forward the legacy of her musical lineage.
Piu’s musical journey began under the guidance of her mother, Mrs. Pradipta Mukherjee, and her grandfather, Late Bireshwar Mukherjee, a disciple of music maestro Vishwadev Chatterjee. Her education continued under Professor Nihar Ranjan Bandopadhyay and Padmavibhushan Smt. Girija Devi. With accolades such as the Pt. Krishna Kumar Ganguly Award for Khayal and the Girija Devi Award, Piu has earned fame as a distinguished singer in Khayal and Thumri.
The third presentation featured the Indian Navy Band, led by Master Chief Petty Officer in Charge Dev Raj. The band’s diverse repertoire, including patriotic tunes and popular songs, showcased their musical prowess. The Indian Naval Band, originating in 1945, has evolved into a symbol of musical excellence for the Navy, participating in various ceremonial functions and goodwill tours.
The INS India Band, comprising 30 musician sailors under the baton of Dev Raj, MCPO MUS II, played a crucial role in complementing Naval/Tri-Service ceremonial functions. Their recent performances include the Amrit Ratna’23 awards ceremony, Independence Day Parade’23 at Red Fort, and the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland.
Adding to the musical tapestry, tabla player Shubh ji, grandson of tabla player Shri Kishan Maharaj, showcased his talent. Trained under his maternal grandfather, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Shubh’s tabla solo performance at the age of 12 marked the beginning of a promising musical journey.
The Virasat Art and Heritage Festival, running from October 27 to November 10, 2023, invites people to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of India. With renowned artists, a crafts village, cuisine stalls, an art fair, folk music, Bollywood-style performances, heritage walks, and more, the festival is a celebration of India’s traditional values.
Established in 1995, REACH has been organizing the Virasat Mahotsav in Dehradun, aiming to preserve and spread India’s art, culture, and heritage. The festival has played a pivotal role in reviving rural arts and bringing traditional practices into the modern era. Virasat 2023 promises to captivate and transport audiences on an unforgettable musical and cultural journey.
