Swaravanshi - Music for the heart from the soul

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 o...

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, h...

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 ...