Bhubaneswar: The vibrant city of Bhubaneswar resonated with the soul-stirring melodies of Sufi music as the 12th Annual Festival of Sufiana, “SAMARPAN,” commenced today at Rabindra Mandap. Organized by the Bhubaneswar Music Circle in collaboration with the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, the three-day festival aims to showcase the rich and mystical heritage of Sufi music.
Sufi music, renowned for its devotional and mystical elements, originated in modern-day Iran and Afghanistan. Its influence has spread across diverse regions, encompassing Africa, India, and Indonesia. The essence of Sufi music lies in its ability to connect the devotee with the infinite, often inducing a state of mystical trance and joyful ecstasy.
The inaugural evening unfolded with the captivating performance “Avgha Rang Ek” (Many Colours are One) by Dr. Shruthi Veena Vishwanath from Pune. Dr. Vishwanath, accompanied by Shri Dushmanta Parida on tabla and Shri Ajay Kumar Das on harmonium, mesmerized the audience with beautiful bhakti, Sufi, and nirguni tradition songs.
The concluding program, “Swarnanjali” (Shagun & Nirgun Bhajans), featured Dr. Abha & Dr. Vibha Chaurasia from Indore. The Chaurasia sisters presented soulful bhakti songs sung by Kabir, Nanak, Meera, and Brahmananda, accompanied by Shri Dushmanta Parida on tabla, Dr. Jabahar Mishra on flute, Shri Ajay Kumar Das on harmonium, and Shri Soumyajit Parida on percussion.
Distinguished personalities gracing the occasion included Dr. (Prof.) Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi, Eminent Danseuse, and former Vice Chancellor, Sambalpur University; Dr. S. K. Tamotia, Director General, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhubaneswar Kendra; Rabinarayan Guru, Music Lover; Aurobinda Behera, President, Bhubaneswar Music Circle; and Khirod Kumar Patnaik, Secretary, Bhubaneswar Music Circle.
The event, coordinated and hosted by Dr. Sangita Gosain, Former Chief Executive, GKCM Odissi Research Centre, was live-streamed on the Bhubaneswar Music Circle YouTube channel, reaching audiences beyond the auditorium.
SAMARPAN continues its celebration of devotional music until February 21, 2024, at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar, starting from 6.30 PM onwards. This festival promises to be a delightful exploration of diverse traditions within Sufi and Pan Indian music, bringing together artists from across the globe in a harmonious musical union.