Varanasi: Ahead of the three-day Bageshwari Devi Thumari festival, a workshop and concert commenced here on Friday. In a message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the organiser Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Padma Shri Soma Ghosh and said the initiative will enrich the tradition of Banaras Gharana of clasical music.
“We received PM’s letter containing his message for the event on Friday in which he has expressed the hope that this initiative will enrich the tradition of Banaras Gharana of music”, said Ghosh, adding that as a tribute to her Guru and legendary classical vocal singer Bageshwari Devi, this Thumari festival, workshop and concert is being organised by ministry of culture in Kashi.
In his message PM said, “Bageshwari Devi not only added glories to Banaras Gharana but also enriched our music and took thumari form of singing to a new height. Efforts of her disciple Soma Ghosh to carry forward her tradition and take thumari to masses are commendable.”
“Varanasi is not only a centre of spirituality but it has also preserved the rich heritage of music and experiments. Many artistes have touched newer heights with their hard work and dedication here”, contained the PM’s message.
It further stated, “This festival in Kashi will relate maestros and new talents with audience. This event will play big role in popularising thumari.”
The fest started with the performance of Soma Ghosh at Mahmoorganj on Friday evening. It was followed by the performances of Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), solo Kathak dance by Rudra Shankar Mishra and a jugalbandi.
“We received PM’s letter containing his message for the event on Friday in which he has expressed the hope that this initiative will enrich the tradition of Banaras Gharana of music”, said Ghosh, adding that as a tribute to her Guru and legendary classical vocal singer Bageshwari Devi, this Thumari festival, workshop and concert is being organised by ministry of culture in Kashi.
In his message PM said, “Bageshwari Devi not only added glories to Banaras Gharana but also enriched our music and took thumari form of singing to a new height. Efforts of her disciple Soma Ghosh to carry forward her tradition and take thumari to masses are commendable.”
“Varanasi is not only a centre of spirituality but it has also preserved the rich heritage of music and experiments. Many artistes have touched newer heights with their hard work and dedication here”, contained the PM’s message.
It further stated, “This festival in Kashi will relate maestros and new talents with audience. This event will play big role in popularising thumari.”
The fest started with the performance of Soma Ghosh at Mahmoorganj on Friday evening. It was followed by the performances of Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), solo Kathak dance by Rudra Shankar Mishra and a jugalbandi.