Young virtuosos take centrestage on Day 3 of Kashi’s Sankat Mochan music fest

Varanasi: A unique fusion of classical and fusion music in Carnatic style vibrated in the precincts of Sankat Mochan temple as 20 young virtuosos took the centrestage on the third night of the Sankat Mochan Music Festival on Friday.
The event commenced with the grand fusion of classical and fusion music, with U Rajesh showcasing the Carnatic style on mandolin. Preserving North Indian music, Prof. Vishwambhar Nath Mishra supported him with pakhawaj and Pt. Shivamani added a fusion touch using different instruments.
As the event progressed, Saurav-Gaurav Mishra captivated the audience with a powerful Kathak dance performance. They were joined by Ustad Akram Khan on tabla, Pt. Ravishankar Mishra on vocal recitation, Uday Shankar Mishra on pakhawaj, Mohit Sahni in vocals, Anish Mishra on sarangi and Mitesh Mishra on sitar.
The next presentation featured world-renowned Mohan veena player Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Satvik veena player Pt. Salil Bhatt, who weaved magic with the strings and enthralled the audience with Raga Jog. Himanshu Mahant accompanied them on tabla. Omkar Havaldar from Bangalore captivated the audience with his melodious rendition of Raga Abhogi Kanara. After singing compositions in Ek Taal and Teen Taal, he concluded with a devotional song. He was assisted by Datta MG on tabla and Sameer Havaldar on harmonium.
The fifth act featured Deepika Varadarajan from Chennai, who created an enchanting atmosphere with her vocals. She sang three compositions in Raga Bageshree, concluding with a devotional song ‘Hanuman Lala Tum Pyare Lala'. She was joined by Shrutishil Uddhav on tabla and Mohit Sahni on harmonium.
In the next act, renowned santoor player Pt. Abhay Rustam Sopori infused a different essence with his rendition of Raga Vibhas on santoor. His performance, characterised by deep notes and rhythmic intricacies, was well-received by the audience. Accompanying him on tabla was the famous tabla player Pt. Sanju Sahai.
Following this, Rajendra Sejwar from Gaya presented a vocal performance. He sang a khayal in Raga Nat Bhairav, finishing it with a thumri. Pt. Kubernath Mishra on tabla, Pt. Dharmnath Mishra on harmonium, and Sandeep Mishra on sarangi accompanied him.
Pt. Harish Tiwari from Delhi concluded the concert with a khayal performance in Raga Bhatiyar, followed by a devotional song. He was joined by Pt. Mithilesh Jha on tabla and Pt. Vinay Mishra on harmonium.