Bhubaneswar: The Vrindavan Mahotsav, jointly organized by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department and Vrindavan Gurukul, unfolded in all its glory at Rabindra Mandap here on Wednesday.
The auditorium was packed to its brim with everyone excited to listen eminent singer Padma Shri Hariharan who was the star attraction of the festival.
The festival opened on a high note with a group flute recital by the artistes of Vrindavan Gurukul. The ensemble beautifully rendered “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye” and “Rang Barse,” bringing the melodies alive through soulful flute performances. The artistes were recital was accompanied by Shri Bishwa Ranjan Nanda on the Tabla, Shri Vaibhav Das on the Dhol and Shri Rupesh Jeevan on the Guitar.
Then came the much-awaited moment. With the screen parted away, Padma Shri Hariharan took the stage with his accompanists, seated on a raised platform, and the crowd erupted in thounderous applause.
He mesmerized the audience with his captivating sonorous presentations. He began with an evocative thumri ‘Tu Aaja Kanhna’, followed by the devotional song ‘Aisi Hori Na Khelo Kanhai Re’, striking a perfect chord with the festive spirit of Holi.
The audience was then treated to a cascade of cherished ghazals including ‘Log Kehte Hain Ajnabi Tum Ho’, ‘Jhoom Le Hans Bol Le’, ‘Nishan Yun To The’, ‘Woh Nahin Mera Magar’, ‘Sheher Dar Sheher’ and ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi’ that tugged at the heartstrings.
Each rendition was met with thunderous applause, as the maestro effortlessly transported listeners into a different world woven with emotion, nostalgia, and lyrical beauty.
The programme was attended by renowned flautist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries, Home and Information & Public Relations Departments, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy and Electronics & IT Departments, Ms. Aswathy S., Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health & Family welfare Department, Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, IG Smt. Saini S. and Smt. Suchismita Mantri, Deputy Director of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, among other dignitaries.
The emcee of the evening was Dr Nazia Alam.
