Evening adorned with Kathak dance by Shri Bandopadhyay

 Wednesday 11th September 2024 at 5:53PM

Shri Bandopadhyay is also the founder of Shri Sadhana School of Kathak

Chandigarh: 11 September 2024: (Kartika Kalyani Singh//The Music Screen Desk)::

The scorching heat with scorching sun is now gone and the season of sweet winter has started knocking. It can be felt in the morning and evening. People have also seen the color of drizzle to torrential rain once again. In such a pleasant weather, a series of musical events has started across the country. To make people feel this, Prachin Kala Kendra also organized its special event in Chandigarh.

In the 299th episode of the series of monthly meetings organized every month by Prachin Kala Kendra, Shri Bandopadhyay from Delhi delighted the audience with his Kathak dance. Shri, who is learning dance under the guidance of Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj, received her initial dance lessons from Guru Sandeep Malik. After this, she learned the nuances of dance from Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj. Shri has also received Bhaskar's diploma from Ancient Art Center. Apart from this, she has also received postgraduate education from Khairagarh University. Doordarshan's B grade artist is also the founder of Shri Sadhna School of Kathak. She has made a place in the hearts of the audience with her various performances.

Today's program started with a beautiful Dhrupad composition Kunjan Mein Racho Raas which was based on Chautal. After this, Shri presented the technical aspects of Kathak. She demonstrated her strong grip on the technical aspects by presenting Ashtamangal 11 matra Paran, Gat, Uthan, Chale, Aamad, Tripalli, Pramilu, Tihai and Chakradar Paran. After this, he presented a thumri based on Teen Taal which was set in Raga Megh Malhar and received a lot of applause from the audience. At the end of the program, Shri concluded the program with beautiful rhythms by presenting compositions based on Teen Taal and instrumental instruments Paran, Bijli Paran. Along with him, famous tabla player Ustad Shakeel Ahmed Khan on tabla, Atul Devesh on singing, Lavanya Abande on sitar and Jai Bhatt on bol padhant made the program more beautiful.

At the end of the program, the center's registrar Dr. Shobha Kausar, secretary Shri Sajal Kausar honored the artists by giving them uttiya and memento.

Raag based film songs also had a different era

Even today only raga-based music can evoke real magic 

Mohali//Chandigarh: 7 September 2023: (Kartika Singh//The Music Screen Desk)::

Some songs are heard in the heart. His words, his tunes, everything is immediately remembered in the mind. Utte sati wahi song insan kab gungunane lagta hai he doesn't even know about it. In fact, it all happens because of music based on ragas.

Millions of songs have reached people's hearts through movies. Jaha tak shadon ki baat hai ve to kamal ke hote hai hai but their melody amplifies their meanings a thousand times. It is the duty of the composer to prepare a different tune for each song. 

Many times the tunes of many songs start to sound similar but then there is something in between. Film songs based on raga begin to feel this upon listening carefully. The lyrics of those songs are based on their tunes. It is worth noting that there are many excellent songs based on ragas in Hindi cinema. Here are examples of some of the major ragas based on which filmi songs have been made. Not only did it become popular, but it also became very popular.

Raga Yaman is a very pleasing raga. It feels like you are saying your heart first. This raga is also known as Raga Kalyan. Changes in power and politics also affect culture, music and literature. According to experts, this raga originates from Kalyan Thaat, so it is also called Ashraya Raga (when the origin of a raga is from that same name). During the Mughal rule, Muslims started calling this raga as Raga Yaman or Raga Iman. Professor Chaman Lal Bhalla of Ludhiana also sings it very beautifully.

It is worth noting that Yaman and Kalyan may be one raga, but combining the names of both Yaman and Kalyan gives rise to another raga called Yaman-Kalyana in which both mediums are used. The special thing is that this raga has been considered as a raga of serious nature. Based on this raga, if you listen to it, it takes the song into a serious atmosphere. Many famous film songs have also been sung in this raga. One of them is - a very melodious song from the famous movie Saraswati Chandra - Chandan Sa Badan, Chanchal Chitwan. Similarly, another film came out Bhigi Raat-the song of this film was-"Dil Jo Na Keh Saka Woh Hi Raje Dil...

"Another film was very famous-Chitchor-Its song was very popular "Jab Deep Jale Aana..." Another film came- illiterate- the song also came on the tongue of people-Jiya le gayo ji mora Saanwariya...Similarly another film was Ram Lakhan-its song was also famous-"Bada Dukh Dinha Mere Lakhan Ne..."It is worth noting that Raag Yaman Mein Aur Bhi Bhaut Se Bhaut Se Geet Hain Suna Hoga- "Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hain". It was sung by famous singer Kishore Kumar Sahib. The movie was "Guide".

Similarly, there is another song raga in Yemen. "Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jate hain jo makam, woh fir nahin aate..! Its singer was Janab Mohammad Rafi Sahib..Yeh song apne sathe hi waqt ki dhara mein baha le jaita hai. Its movie was "Aap ki Kasam".

It is important to remind here once again that when the power changes, the names of many things, places and places also change. Something similar happened in the case of Raag Yemen. The ancient name of this raga is Kalyan. 

Time changed, power changed, politics also changed, then it started to be called Yemen from the time of Mughal rule. In the descent of this raga, when a small amount of pure medium is used by curving the gandhara, then it is called Yaman Kalyan when both mediums are used in this way.

298th Monthly baithak organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra

 Sunday 11th August 2024 at 4:41 PM

Tabla beats and soulful vocal recital captivated city audience 

Chandigarh: 11th August 2024: (Karthika Kalyani Singh//The Music Screen)::

The music lovers of city beautiful were treated to a amazing Musical delight by noted Tabla player from Jaipur Sh. Gautam Pal and promising vocalist from Shilma Sh. Gunjan Channa   on the occasion of the 293rd  Monthly Baithak Programme organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra here today at  M.L. Koser  Indoor Auditorium at 6:30 pm onwards. Both the artists kept the audience enthralled by the sheer and clean beauty of their   musical skills.

In the domain of Indian Classical Music Gautam Pal has established himself as one of the most talented Tabla Artist of his generation, representing the glorious tradition of Farukhabad Gharana. Gautam has started learning Tabla at very early age under the guidance of Sh.Shib Shankar Karmakar, who is a disciple of Ustad Keramatullah Khan.Later he became Gandh Bandh Sagrid of renowed Tabla Maestro Pt.Shankar Ghosh. For the last five years he also taken regular talim from Sh.Sushil Jain (Chandigarh) who is a senior Disciple of Ustad Kader Bakhsh of Punjab Gharana and a torch bearer of Punjab Gharana. He has received numerous Awards and Honour in his field of Art. He has also hold the “B” high grade approved Artist of All India Radio.

Today’s another artist Sh. Gunjan Channa is a young , talented and promising artist based in Shimla. He took initial training of music from his parents. He did his  master's from Khalsa College, Patiala.  He received further training to learn intricacies of music from Dr. Jagmohan Sharma. He recently got A-grade artist  level in classical  music (Vocal) from All India Radio. He is won many youth festivals in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab as well . He is an emerging artist in the world of music.

Gautam Pal commenced his programme with traditional Uthan followed Peshkar  based on  teen taal  of farukhabad  Gharana . Then he moved on to present Kayda, Rela, Palta  etc.  before technical part consist of  gats amidst applause. After this, he performed Farmaishi and Kamali Chakradar, Tukde, Rele and Tihaari in a well-composed manner. . He concluded his recital with crisp traditional bandishes  of his Gharana.  He is ably accompanied by   Punjab  based  noted harmonium exponent Gurpreet Singh Moga   on harmonium who himself is a versatile artist.

After the beats of Tabla , Gunjan Channa took the centre stage to perform vocal recital. He  started the program with Raag Bihag. After Alaap, he presented a composition "Kaise Sukh Soye" in Vilambit Khayal followed by two crisp compositions Balam Re and Baje Re Mori Payal in Madhya Laya Teen Taal which were well received by the audience. Drut composition with bols  Bani Bani Thani Thani also won the hearts of the listeners . At the end of the program, Gunjan added colour to the program by presenting Himachali folk song Maaye Nii Meriye. He was accompanied by Mr. Rajesh Brahmbhatt on tabla and Mr. Madan Kashyap on harmonium.

Dr. Shobha Koser , SNA Awardee, Registrar , Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser , Tabla Guru  Pt. Sushil Jain and Dr. Jagmohan Sharma honored the artists with bouquet,  a scroll of PKK and a Memento.

Guitar Hero: Musical Harmonies Across Borders

Wednesday 13th March 2024 at 12:21 AM

USA Army Members Strumming in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Music World: 13th March 2024: (DoD USA Army//The Music Screen Desk)::

Guitar Hero sending the musical waves to the world for a peaceful society. An airman assigned to the U.S. Air Forces Central Band shows a Saudi World Defense Show attendee how to play a guitar near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 7, 2024. The band performs community outreach concerts, school assemblies and diplomatic events.

This photo was clicked by USA Air Force Camera Team. This photo telling a story also. This strory is related to musical desires and waves.

In the heart of the Arabian desert, where sand dunes stretch endlessly and ancient palaces stand as testaments to history, there exists a moment of harmony that transcends borders and cultures. Amidst the bustling city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the gentle strumming of a guitar resonates, weaving melodies that echo the spirit of camaraderie and unity.

This unique scene unfolds as members of the USA Army, far from home yet connected through the universal language of music, gather to share their passion for the guitar. In a setting that may seem unlikely to some, these soldiers find solace and community in the simple act of playing their instruments.

As fingers dance across the strings, notes float through the air, carrying with them the stories and experiences of those who've traveled from distant lands. Each chord struck is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, bridging gaps and forging connections where none seemed possible.

For the soldiers stationed in Riyadh, music serves as more than just a pastime—it's a lifeline that offers moments of reprieve from the rigors of duty and a reminder of the bonds that unite them with their comrades-in-arms. In the shared rhythms and harmonies, they find comfort, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging that transcends cultural divides.

But the impact of their musical gatherings extends beyond the confines of their barracks. As the strains of their songs drift through the streets of Riyadh, they serve as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between nations. Through their music, these soldiers become ambassadors of peace, fostering understanding and building bridges between their host country and their homeland.

In a world often marked by division and discord, the sight of USA Army members playing guitar in Riyadh serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. In their hands, six strings become a conduit for unity, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community that knows no bounds.

So, amidst the sands of Saudi Arabia, where cultures collide and traditions intersect, let the music of the USA Army members playing guitar be a beacon of hope and harmony—a testament to the enduring power of humanity to find common ground, even in the most unexpected of places. Music, which teaches the magic of transforming war and hatred into love and humanity, has also emerged as a special hope of today's times.

New tradition started in Pracheen kala Kendra

Show felt like an  International event

Chandigarh: 1st October 2022: (Karthika Singh//The Music Screen)::

People who either always spoke their mother tongue or only English. They do not know any language of India. They neither understand nor speak. In spite of this language difficulty, these foreign artists and artists from India had mingled with each other in the Pracheen Kala Kendra of Chandigarh as if they had known each other since births. The thirst to learn the art more passionately and the intimacy with the art had done this miracle as well. The atmosphere was international. No religion, no boundaries, no caste, no religion....! There was only one religion - the religion of art. This today's color of the ancient art center was also to be seen. An artistic atmosphere. The height of song, music and dance experiences. Meeting artists from far and wide and watching their performance felt as if we were present in an international event.

Pracheen Kala Kendra (The Center for Ancient Arts) has organized its M.L. Kausar Indoor Auditorium organized a press conference at 12:00 noon. The Center met the press to give a detailed introduction to its new achievement. Under this new program, a three-year course has been started in the Mohali campus of the Center to impart "Dual Training" under the able guidance of revered Gurus of various classical styles under the guidance of "Guru Shishya Parampara". It is pertinent to mention here that the center has a well-equipped hostel with mess facilities for foreign and Indian students trained in the field of classical arts. Some students from different countries are joining this intensive learning program from 1st October, 2022 through ICCR and PKK scholarships. During the introduction of this program, the art of their own country was well demonstrated by these foreign students. Dressed in the traditional dress of their country, these students presented beautiful glimpses of the art and music of their country. These students from Kazakhstan and Bangladesh introduced the art and culture of their country

Importance of Guru Shishya Tradition

Akhandamandalkaram Vivayam Yena Charcharama |

Tatpadam darshitam ye tasmai shriguruve namah ||

(Salutations to the great master who made it possible to realize the state that pervades the entire universe, all living and dead.)

India, a country rich in history and culture, has realized from time immemorial the importance of a guru in the development of young personality. In Indian culture, the role of a guru goes beyond the one who teaches a subject. Lessons learned from their mentor are far more complex, as they open the student's eyes to the world and give his thoughts the right direction in which he must use his energy to grow and prosper and be successful.

Students will learn from various gurus- Guru Shobha Kausar ji, Guru Saubhagya Vardhan, Guru Brijmohan Gangani, Dr. Sameera Kausar, Shri Parvesh and Yogi Ashu Pratap under the aegis of Prachin Kala Kendra. The first batch of students for the program have already joined us from different parts of the country and internationally.

These students will soon start their classes and learn the nuances of their art-forms as well as learn from the experiences of their mentors who are masters in their fields and a goldmine of knowledge for young artists! For more than 60 years, the Center for Ancient Arts has strived to enhance and spread knowledge about art and culture and this program will be the next step in that direction!

All in all, today's event was the beginning of a grand new beginning - like a proclamation - as it were. In the serene atmosphere of the grand auditorium of the ancient art center, waves of music and dance were inviting to come and take a dip. Fly in this sky of art.

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Parampra//Tradition Continued at Pracheen Kala Kendra

 24th September 2022 at 5:28 PM

Beautiful performances by the students of  PKK

 It was a well Demonstration of the musical education received from their gurus

Mohali: 24th September 2022: (Karthika Singh//The Music Screen)::

The scorching heat started to take away and the winter which made the body feel like a cold wave also knocked. The incessant rain was a testimony to this important change. The roads were also filled with water due to rain but many people were enjoying it. All busy and engrossed in themselves. There was no one who could cool the mind and conscience. There was also a change in the inner mind, that change also started to be seen, but who can testify about it? Both the premises of the ancient Kalakendra located in Chandigarh and Mohali were still active today. Like the honor of Gurukul, the students who were educated were painted in their own colors. It was raining in their heart, which takes away the heat and anguish of births. The drops of rain combined with the melody of this music felt like some nectar rain.

It is worth mentioning that the Pracheen Kala Kendra needs no introduction today, the ancient art center has been doing amazing work for the last 6 decades to cherish and promote the ancient arts of India. In the Mohali and Chandigarh complex of the center, the students get proper education in the Indian musical arts and the center is also successfully doing the work of nurturing the talent of young students by providing them a platform. In this episode, a series of "traditions" of the center are organized under the monthly program. Today, this program was organized at Dr. Shobha Kausar Auditorium, Mohali, in which the students demonstrated the musical education received from their gurus. The program was organized from 4 pm onwards. In this program, students performed on stage under the direction of Guru Pravesh Kumar, Davinder Singh and Hridaykant, who were giving formal education. Some beautiful paintings by fine arts students were also displayed on the occasion.

The program started with Saraswati Vandana whose lyrics were dedicated to Vandana. After this, guitar playing was introduced in Raga Bhopali and the students got applause by presenting the beautiful performance. After this, in Raga Bhagyashree, the composition of big khayal "Preet Lagi" was presented by the students as well as the composition "Kaun Karat" was presented in small khayal. This was followed by Tarana which was well received by the audience. There was a beautiful harmony among the students singing collectively.

This was followed by solo guitar playing, featuring the Flavors of Finger style guitar. This was followed by a hymn "Tu Meri Rakho Laj Hari" which was narrated in Ahir Bhairavi. This was followed by another solo guitar instrumentation in Bhairavi. Continuing the program, a beautiful qawwali was sung in the Pahari raga and the lyrics of this qawwali were “Bhar do Jholi”. At the end of the program, a word “Bahu Janam” was introduced in Raag Bhairavi.

At the end of the program, Dr. Samira Kausar, Deputy Registrar of the Center encouraged the students and teachers with words of appreciation. Certificates were also provided to the students on this occasion.

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Kathak dance of Anjali Munjal at Pracheen Kala Kendra

 Thursday 12th Aug 2022 at 5:55 PM

       It was the 275th monthly meeting of the PKK     

 The audience sat mesmerized till the end of the program 

Chandigarh: 12 August 2022: (Gurjit Billa//Input-Kartika Singh//The Music Screen)::

The Pracheen Kala Kendra is also one of the people and organizations that keep Chandigarh, called the city of stones, alive and sensitive. Regular events are organized by this institute which are dedicated to music. Participating in these events means detaching from the hustle and bustle of the world and automatically connecting with oneself, connecting with nature, connecting with music and connecting with God. Drowning in a hangover without taking any medicine or intoxicant. Even today there was a special event here.

Not only Chandigarh, but the country's well-known musical institution, Pracheen Kala Kendra, has been organizing monthly meetings continuously for the last 23 years, in which not only from across the country but also from abroad, well-versed artists in various classical arts have participated. In these meetings, from senior artists to budding artists have entertained the music lovers with their beautiful performances and this trend continues even today.

In today's meeting, young and talented Kathak dancer Anjali Munjal from Delhi presented a beautiful Kathak dance. Anjali is learning Kathak dance from a young age. He received the formal education of Kathak from his guru Vidha Lal. Her hard work in Anjali's dance, Riyaz and her special grip on the acting organ has been an important aspect in giving her a new identity in the music world.

Anjali started the program with Shri Ganesh Vandana, in which Anjali paid her respects to Lord Ganesha through dance, after which Anjali presented pure traditional Kathak dance in which three rhythms were composed in Aamad, Paran, Tihai, Tode, Tukde. , last exit, cycle fought etc. presented.

The program concluded with a beautiful composition "Bijuri Chamke" by Anjali which was sung in the season wise raga Miya Malhar. After this Anjali also introduced some traditional bands. Anjali enlivened the program with her acting limbs, foot movements and beautiful dance postures.

Anjali was accompanied by Aman Ali on Tabla, Aamir Ali on Sarangi, Suheb Hassan on singing and Sonam Yadav on Padant.