Revisit traditional Punjabi music at capital fest

New Delhi, May 22(IANS) A "Festival of Traditional Music of Punjab', which kicked off here Tuesday, is set to treat music fanatics to the cultural heritage of the state.

The two-day event is being held at the India International Centre here.

Inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Social Welfare, Child and Women Development and language Minister Kiran Walia, the evening saw a jugalbandi by singersBhai Mohan Singh and Sukhdev Singh.

Starting with "Bhijurianchamkan ghoran ghatayat kalian" in Malkauns raga, the duo moved into raga Kedar and sang "Seekhe ho tum". They followed it up with a composition in raga Desh called "He maa gharaj gharaj barsariyan boondanya".

A number of traditional Punjabi compositions brought the golden era of Punjabi classical music alive at the event.

"With this music festival we are trying to showcase the rich tradition of Punjabi bandishes (composition) without losing their authenticity. The response we have received during the past years have led us to make this festival one of our annual features," said Rawail Singh, secretary, Punjabi Academy.

"In these two days, our artistes will be presenting a bouquet of century old bandishes, including a series of ragas sung from early morning to midnight," Singh added.

The vocal jugalbandi was followed by the performance of Tushar Dutta, a young vocalist from Kolkata.

The second and concluding day of the festival will see performances by Raza Ali Khan, grandson of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and son of Ustad Munawar Ali Khan and Meeta Pandit, a Delhi-based classical singer.