Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Infosys Foundation, and Avishkar Creations present an immersive musical evening
Pune: A blend of classical compositions and evocative visual art brought the timeless tale of Ramayana to life in ‘Ramgaan’, a unique music and art performance held in the city recently. The audience was treated to a multisensory experience that combined raga-based compositions with live narration and illustrations, drawing them into key episodes from the epic, from Lord Ram’s birth to his coronation after vanquishing Ravana.
Organised by Avishkar Creations under the cultural initiative of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Infosys Foundation, the event marked the debut presentation of Ramgaan and received warm appreciation from an enthusiastic audience that included cultural dignitaries and music connoisseurs.
Conceptualised and presented by vocalist, composer, and visual artist Bhagyashree Godbole, the performance featured a series of original classical bandishes composed by her, each themed around significant moments in the Ramayana. The compositions were set to traditional ragas and accompanied by corresponding paintings displayed live during the recital.
The evening began with the melodious bandish ‘Raghunandan Roop Manohar’ in raags Bhatiyar and Lalit. Vocalist Shweta Kulkarni rendered ‘Prakat Hot Khud’ in raag Kedar, followed by Pandit Amol Nisal’s powerful ‘Kad Kad Kad Naad’ in raag Malkauns. Sawani Datar painted the forest exile through ‘Ram Ka Ho Nirvaasan’ in Hindol and ‘Gaman Karat Ramlakhan’ in Lalit.
Dr. Sanika Goregaonkar presented ‘Ramcharan Sparsh Hot’ in raag Jansammohini, while Nisal evoked the rage of Shurpanakha with ‘Shurpanakha Ati Krodhit’ in raag Bhoopeshwari. Goregaonkar also sang ‘Shabari Aseem Ram Bhakt’ in Mishra Zinjhoti and ‘Mrug Pyaarasa’ in Jaunpuri. Kulkarni brought to life the abduction of Sita with ‘Sita Haran Ki Baat’ in raag Jayjaywanti.
Godbole highlighted the squirrel’s contribution to the Setu (bridge to Lanka) building through a composition in raag Shuddha Sarang. Scenes from Ashok Vatika, Hanuman’s meeting with Sita, and the triumphant cries of the vanar sena were conveyed through compositions in Marwa, Madhukuns, and Sohoni ragas. The recital concluded with the soulful ‘Ram Sumir Karunakar’ in raag Bhairavi.
The vocal performances by Pandit Amol Nisal, Bhagyashree Godbole, Dr. Sanika Goregaonkar, Sawani Datar, and Shweta Kulkarni were complemented by Dr. Sunil Deodhar’s engaging narration. Instrumental accompaniment included Amit Joshi on tabla, Shubhada Athawale on harmonium, and Anjali Rao-Singhade on violin, adding depth and texture to the performance.
The programme was held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and was attended by Nandkumar Kakirde, Honorary Secretary, along with several eminent personalities from the music and art world.
