Folk art, bhajans and drama celebrate Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj’s life

Nagpur: Under the glow of stage lights and the rhythm of khanjira drums, the life of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj unfolded like a moving portrait — painted not in words, but through the dance, devotion, drama, and music performed by 2,000 artists. The fourth evening of the Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav 2025 at Ishwar Deshmukh College grounds turned into a grand homage to the saint, philosopher, and reformer who reshaped India's spiritual and social conscience. The musical presentation, titled "Rashtrasantanchi Jeevan Gatha," brought together folk art forms like Wari, Dindi, Lezim, Bhajan, and theatre to trace the saint's journey from his role in the freedom struggle and the Bhajan revolution that awakened rural India.The programme, organised under the guidance of the Akhil Bharatiya Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal, Shri Kshetra Gurukunj Ashram, beautifully depicted the saint's life — his childhood, meeting with Mahatma Gandhi, contribution to India's freedom movement, imprisonment, and the Bhajan revolution.Union Minister Gadkari said, "The work of the national saint Tukdoji Maharaj in educating the people is unparalleled. He has done a great job of instilling values in the people through his simple words. Recently, 50,000 students of Nagpur University sang the university anthem penned by the saint giving the message of humanity. A khanjiri bhajan competition was recently organised by the Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav Committee, and today, 2,000 artists are conveying the message of the national saint to the people."The performance opened with stirring khanjiri bhajans like ‘Ya Bharatat Nitya Bandhu Bhav', ‘Mani Nahi Bhav', ‘Shandar Ho Mera Bharat Desh', and many more as saffron-clad devotees filled the venue, turning the grounds into a sea of devotion and energy.The production was coordinated by Dr Devendra Yadav, with music by Shrikant Pise, dance direction by Akshay Dhabdgaonkar, and anchoring by Devendra Dodke. The story and script were penned by Gopal Salodkar, with technical assistance from Manoj Piddi, Pawan Tiwari, and Sandeep Barskar. Amol Bambal, Ashok Yavale, Dnyaneshwar Rakshak and others ensured the event's smooth execution.The evening began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Nitin Gadkari, who was joined by former MP Padma Shri Dr Vikas Mahatme, former MLA Nago Ganar, and Gurukunj Ashram Sarvadhikari Prakash Wagh among other dignitaries.Nagpur artists IA Raja and Sukhnat Kazi showcased their rare talent of creating art using only fingers and nails. They presented a portrait of Gadkari drawn in this unique style, earning appreciation from the audience.The morning session began on a spiritual note with the collective recitation of the Shiva Mahimna Stotra under the ‘Jagar Bhakticha' segment. Hundreds of devotees, men and women alike, joined sisters of Kanvashrama in the recitation. The programme was inaugurated by social activist Kanchan Gadkari and other dignitaries. It was followed by the Shiv Aarti. Rajni Didi of Brahmakumaris expressed gratitude to Nitin Gadkari and Kanchan Gadkari for organizing the event.BoxTODAY'S EVENTSThe morning session on Tuesday will feature the recitation of Shri Ganapati Atharvashirsha Stotra at 7am. In the evening, a local flute recital will begin at 6 pm, followed by the much-awaited ‘Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra' featuring popular Marathi actors Prajakta Mali, Sai Tamhankar, Prasad Oak, Sameer Chougule, and Namrata Sambherao.