Celebrating a rich musical legacy

A cultural evening titled- Guru Bhola Nath Music Utsav – was hosted by BNP Foundation and Gurbani Education to celebrate 'guru-shishya parampara' in the loving memory of the legendary Bansuri Guru Pandit Bhola Nath Prasanna.

In the presence of eminent people and critics from the art and culture fraternity like Kathak maestro Shovana Narayana, Guru Jaspal Singh of Gurubani Education, the evening witnessed the mesmerising performance by Guru Bhola Nath's son and disciple – Pandit Ajay Prasanna. A three-time Grammy nominee, Pandit Ajay Prasanna was accompanied by Shubh Maharaj on tabla. Also, Padma Bhushan Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt was accompanied by Salil Bhatt on Satvik Veena among others.

The evening was graced by Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia – Guru Bhola Nath's senior-most disciple and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. The surprise element of the festival was the rare flute ensemble performance by my students from Guru Bhola Nath Gurukul.

Talking about the Utsav, Pandit Ajay Prasanna said, "The utsav celebrated rich legacies of music. It brought forth the traditional music of the Banaras gharana which is known for its rich repertoire and raga renditions where I performed traditional Indian classical flute music that I've learned from my father and the great Guru. My performance was a humble attempt to transport the audience to the mystical and cultural city of Banaras." "The utsav saw an ideal conclusion with Padma Bhushan Pandit Vishwa Mohan stellar 'mohan veena' performance. With the blessings of my Guru, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, I am grateful to the audience of Delhi for being a part of this one of its kinds Indian classical music treat."