8th Thumri festival closes on a high note

The 8th edition of Thumri festival organized by Sahitya Kala Parishad, Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of Delhi came to a close on September 16, 2018. The 3-day event at Kamani Auditorium saw a full house audience who cherished each performance of the artists.

The musical event was inaugurated by the chief guest and the Minister for Social Welfare, Govt. Of NCT of Delhi Rajendra Pal Gautam.

One the first day, the event started with the performance of Padmaja Chakraborty, who sang various forms like Khamaj Thumri in Jat taal, Tappa in Raga Kafi and Kajri in Raag Mishra Pilu in Keherwa taal. The second performance was by the renowned vocalist and doyen of Kirana Gharana - Jayateerth Mevundi. The evening was culminated with a power packed performance by Shubha Mudgal who performed Bol Banau Thumri and Bandish ki Thumri in which she sang rare types of Thumri.

On the second day, the audience enjoyed a soulful thumri recital by Nila Sinha Roy. Followed by the performance of Kumud Diwan, a renowned semi-classical vocalist and an acclaimed exponent of Thumri. The evening was ended with the double act by the inimitable duo of the Indian classical music Pandit Rajan and Pandit Sajan Mishra.

The last day started with the performance of Indira Naik, a Sufi and Ghazal singer, trained in Patiala gayaki. She gave a brilliant performances starting with Raag Pilu in which she sang 'Tum radhe bano shyaam', her second act was raag pahadi – 'Baghon mein pade jhoole'.

The grand finale was made memorable by the performance of Thumri specialist Savita Devi, who has learnt the light, classical forms of Hindustani music from her mother and the late legendary Thumari singer Siddheshwari Devi.

Talking about the Thumri festival, Savita Devi said, "I am happy that Sahitya Kala Parishad is celebrating the 8th edition and my wishes are with them and may they keep celebrating the thumri year after year. This festival is an outcome of two side collaboration of the artists and Sahitya Kala Parishad. I feel proud to be a part of this collaboration, where they not only bring the veterans but also promote upcoming talents."

Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, thanked the audience by saying, "I am glad that you all graced the festival with your presence in large numbers. The success of this festival is not just because of the talents of our Thumri artists, but also because of your love of this genre. We the entire team of Sahitya Kala Parishad along with Department of Art, Culture, and Languages, Government of Delhi are grateful to you all for this success."

Sindhu Mishra, Deputy Secretary Sahitya Kala Parishad thanked all the artists who have performed and been part of thumri festival and made it popular. "We are bringing young artists to sing with the popular faces which is attracting a young crowd to the festival and taking the heritage of thumri forward."