Realms of devotion

No matter what language we speak or which culture we adhere to, there are certain elements of human consciousness that transcend all tangible differences. Devotion to the Ultimate Being is one of those universal sentiments that find expressions in multiple forms. Be it in the form of bhajans or qawwalis or Gospel music, devotional music is one form of expression that does not fail to strike the chords of believers.

From Kabir bhajans, to the distinct bhakti music, to Sufiana kalams from Punjab! The stupendous diversity and variety of multiple traditions of devotional music of India are on full display at the Bhakti Sangeet Festival that opened on April 24 in the national capital. The festival being presented by Sahitya Kala Parishad and Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Govt of Delhi, features nine individual and group performances of Bhakti and Sufiana renditions over three days at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri.

The annual Bhakti Sangeet Festival serves the purpose of unifying and bringing together the multiple traditions of Indian devotional music at one stage. For people who love devotional music, the festival is a platform to look up to. The festival will bring together a wide range of devotional singers who practice and perform ‘bhakti’ music in their own different cultural forms —  be it through Krishna bhakti, Meera bhajans, qawwalis or Sufiana kalams. The festival was opened by bhajan singer Anup Jalota. Other performers of the opening day were Nooran sisters of Patakha Guddi fame who presented the Kalam Bulleshah, and Dhruv Sangari, who will render Sufiana kalams. 

The second evening of the festival will feature Meeta Pandit, Iqbal Ahmad Khan who will render Meera bhajans; and popular singer Shubha Mudgal who will chant her devotions to the ‘Nirgun’ or formless Creator. The last day of the festival will see four performances including one by Kabir Café, a band dedicated to Kabir bhajans. Others who will perform on the last day include Arshad Ali Khan (Krishna bhakti); Sumitra Guha (Ram Bhakti) and Master Saleem (Punjabi Sufiana Kalaam).