BySukant Deepak

November 29, 2021 (IANSlife) On Friday evening, the fifth edition of the Mahindra Kabira Festival kicked off with a musical medley at Varanasi's Guleria Kothi ghat.

Part of the Mahindra Group's cultural outreach programmes and produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival hosted a gala reception to kickstart a magnificent ode to Kabir set against the backdrop of the majestic Ganges lit up with the glow of countless floating candles. The evening featured performances by Pandit Anoop Mishra and the Anirudh Varma Collective.

Pandit Anoop Misra opened the evening with Khayal and semi-classical interpretations. "In these difficult times for the country, and especially for the artist community," he remarked, "the festival has given artists confidence and optimism." Mishra also paid tribute to his uncle, the late Pandit Rajan Mishra of the Benares Gharana, a renowned Hindustani classical performer who sang at the last edition of the Festival and died during the second wave of the COVID pandemic. "The music, especially that of Kabir," he continued, "will help everyone in this time of pandemic and help relieve the agony with its message."

Anirudh Varma acknowledged his profound admiration for Kabir. "Kabir is love," he explained, "and love brings everyone together, including a diverse mix of artists and musicians." The Anirudh Varma Collective played a rendition of 'Naiharwa,' 'Ghat Mai Panchi Bolta,' 'Kaun Thagwa,' 'Ram Niranjan Aaya Re,' and 'Udd Jayega Hans Akela' as part of its current portrayal of Hindustani classical music.

Anirudh Varma acknowledged his profound admiration for Kabir. "Kabir is love," he explained, "and love brings everyone together, including a diverse mix of artists and musicians." The Anirudh Varma Collective played a rendition of 'Naiharwa,' 'Ghat Mai Panchi Bolta,' 'Kaun Thagwa,' 'Ram Niranjan Aaya Re,' and 'Udd Jayega Hans Akela' as part of its current portrayal of Hindustani classical music.

"As the world faces some of the greatest problems it has ever known, it is time to pause on the banks of the sacred Ganga at the timeless city of Varanasi," stated Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts.

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