Swaravanshi - Music for the heart from the soul

Tukaram, also known as Sant Tukaram,  was a 17th-century poet-saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra He was part of the egalitarian, personalized devotionalism t radition called Varkari. Having being born during the times of a prevalently strong caste system into a so-called lower caste then, he believed and propagated equality in devotion and access to worship by all.  Tukaram is known for his Abhangs in Marathi (devotional poetry) and community-oriented worship with spiritual songs known as  kirtans  - basically, group songs sung in a rhythmic and repetitive fashion to facilitate an immersive and meditative experience with devotion. His poetry was devoted to Vitthala or  Vithoba , an avatar of Hindu god  Vishnu . Tukaram encouraged  kirtan  as a music imbued, community-oriented group singing and dancing form of devotion and reverence to the supreme deity. The greatest merit in kirtan, according to Tukaram, is it being not only a spiritual path for the devotee, it helps cre

Miyan ki Malhaar - The marvel and the mystique Malhar  is an old  raga  in  Indian classical music . [1]  Malhar is associated with the atmosphere of torrential rains. [2]  Besides the basic Shuddha Malhar, which was the original Malhar, there are several Malhar-related ragas that use the Malhar signature phrase m (m)R (m)R P, including Miyan Malhar, Ramdasi Malhar, Gaud Malhar, Sur Malhar, Des Malhar, Nat Malhar, and Meera ki Malhar.  In my post here, I am presenting some details on Miyan ki Malhaar, one of the most distinctive Malhaar prakaar ragas. Miyan Malhaar is a monsoon raga, popularly used for invoking and embracing rain to drench the earth and welcome monsoon. One of the Navaratnas (nine jewels) of Emperor Akbar's court - Miyan Tansen, created this raga - which is a musical prayer to monsoon for a rejuvenation of life.  The melodic structure of M.Malhaar stems largely from the raga's use of both Shuddha (while ascending) and Komal (while descending) Ni

Sorry for the time lapse with new posts.  In the semi-classical genre, I am always drawn to Bhajans, Abhangs and Asthapadis, due to the pace and rhythm, along with the ability to emote in honor of the Supreme Being. I had the opportunity to perform for a few Bhajan sandhyas - the first is a beautiful Bhajan originally by Pts. Rajan and Sajan Mishra - Chalo Man brindavan ki Or.. The second one is a performance I had during Rama Navami celebrations in the local Dwarkamai temple,  Aadi Ant Mera Hai Raam, originally sung by Smt. Haimanti Shukla and composed by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi:

Navarathri 2015 in Boston area was as colorful and festive as it always has been.  From displays of colorful dolls and dioramas on a set of odd numbered steps (Kolus) to belting out the different songs (devi krithis) in honor of the nine Devi goddesses to step dancing using colorful sticks (dandia or Garba raas) - Navarathri in Boston is abuzz and replete with traditions. Visiting several homes for Golus and Haldi-kumkum is a sweet tradition that the Indian Hindu community tries to follow so our traditions do get passed on to the younger generation even if it gets diluted.  I had the pleasure of attending a soulful concert by Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar in Spring. I have been an avid follower of his music, and it's really generous of him to provide downloadable access to many of his compositions as well.   A pristine moment for me, sharing a click with Pt. Sanjeev AbhyankarJi. A down to earth person, truly dedicated to music, and delivers it with so much soul and bhaav of the raga

Happy Ganesh Chathurthi to one and all! Wishing a very Happy Ganesh Chathurthi to all those who celebrate. May the Lord Vighna Vinayaka remove all obstacles in your paths and shower you with peace, happiness and prosperity. Growing up in Mumbai, Ganpati festival has had a special significance to me.  Enjoying the day with Ganesh pooja performed by my father, lovely sweet and salty modaks (Vella Thengai and Kadalaparuppu kozhakattais) prepared by my mom, and visiting every possible Ganpati - Chembur, Dukes, Tilak Nagar, Matunga, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Mandir, Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB Seva Mandal in Kings Circle : this is a memory captured in the heart and etched in the mind of every true Mumbaikar. That combined with listens of Aartis and Ganpati bhajans by Lata Mangeshkar makes it a memorable treat. I would like to share with you my cover rendition of a traditional Marathi Aarti, popularised in Lataji's mellifluous sweet voice.  My musician friend, Adwait Ranade, has ac

Marathi Abhang : Ya Pandhariche Sukha  Sorry for the long absence from my side on blogging and sharing my work.   I lost my beloved father in January 2015. He was my solid rock and support for all my musical endeavors and experiments and always encouraged me with all my work. He was one of my most avid followers on the blogworld. It is back to basics these days, as I have rekindled my love for Yaman, listening to stalwarts like Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Kishori Amonkar, Basavaraj Rajguru, and attending workshops in several Gharanas like Jaipur, Agra etc.  Coming to today's share, My love for this Sant Eknath Abhang is immense.  I listened to KishoriTai Amonkar's rendition on a loop.  Eknath was the grandson of Sant Bhanudas. Vitthal (Lord Vishnu who was established in Pandharpur, also known as Pandhari) was their family deity; Eknath also worshiped Vitthal from childhood. As Eknath was born in a family of saints he inherited bhakthi towards Vitthal from his family