Spiritual soiree: Padma awardees to take centrestage at Sankatmochan music fest

Varanasi: The revered Sankatmochan temple's Hanuman Darbar will reverberate with soul-stirring Manas recitations and melodious music during the illustrious Hanumajjayanti Mahotsav. This six-day extravaganza, kicking off on Apr 6, will proudly feature 12 esteemed Padma Awardees and 21 promising debut art practitioners.Mahant of Sankat Mochan Temple, Prof Vishwambharnath Mishra, said the six-day overnight open-air Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, which is in its 103rd year, will be organised in the Shri Sankat Mochan Temple premises from Apr 6 to 11. This six-day classical music extravaganza will boast an impressive lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. The festival will shine a spotlight on 12 Padma Awardees and 21 talented debut art practitioners, making it a truly memorable event.The music festival kicks off on April 6 with a captivating dance drama by Roopvani Sanstha. The stellar lineup continues with performances by Pt Rahul Sharma (santoor), Vidhalal (Kathak), S Akash and Yadnesh Raikar (flute-violin), Malini Awasthi (vocal), Rahul Mishra (tabla solo), Pt Harvinder Sharma (sitar), and Shikha Bhattacharya (Kathak).The second night will feature Pt U Rajesh and Pt Shivmani (mandolin-drum), Pt Vishwamohan Bhatt and Salil Bhatt (Mohanveena-Satvik Veena), Jargam Akran Khan, Khurram Ali Niyazi (tabla jugalbandi), Ustad Gullam Abbas Khan (vocal), Pt Shubh Maharaj (tabla solo), Pt Kushal Das (sitar), and Pt Ratan Mohan Sharma (vocal).The festival will conclude on Apr 11 with the presentations of Pt Ratikant Mahapatra-Sujata Mahapatra (Odissi), Mehtab Ali Niyazi (sitar), Kalapini Komkali (vocal), Shiraz Ali Khan (sarod), Pt Abhay Rustam Sopori (Shattantri Veena), Pt Harish Tiwari (vocal), Ustad Shakir Khan (sitar), and Pt Sajan Mishr-Shri Swaransh Mishra (vocal).The festivities will kick off on Apr 2 with Chaitra Shukla Paksha Purnima, featuring special adornment, tableau, aarti, and worship of Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ji Maharaj.