Bhubaneswar/Kalinga Voice): ‘Vrindaban Mahotsav’-2021, the flagship Indian classical music concert was organised by Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha in association with Vrindaban Gurukul Trust, Bhubaneswar at Utkal Mandap here on Sunday. The event was co-sponsored by Odisha Mining Corporation.
Organised every year on the eve of Holi- the festival of colours, the annual musical extravaganza this year held significance as it marks the completion of 11 years of ‘Vrindaban Gurukul’ founded by renowned flautist Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. The concert, which was organised in strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols, was telecast live on DD Bharati and social media handles of Odisha Tourism.
The musical soiree witnessed participation of several internationally acclaimed maestros of Indian classical music. The event kicked-off with a flute recital by the disciples of ‘Vrindaban Gurukul’. It was followed by a mellifluous ‘Raag Bahar’ by renowned Sarod player Pt. Tejendra Narayan Majumdar. He was accompanied by Pt. Ramkumar Mishra, noted Tabla player. The concluding performance of the evening was by Padma Vibhushan Pt. Chhannulal Mishra whose melodious Hindustani vocals on Raag Hansadhwani was followed by songs like Lage Tose Nayana, Thumri-Tore Nayana Lagi Katar Sajani and many more.
In a bid to promote our State’s music, art & culture, Odisha Tourism has been organising marquee events throughout the year. Started last year as a joint initiative of Odisha Tourism and Vrindaban Gurukul to bring Indian Classical Music maestros from across the globe on a single platform, ‘Vrindaban Mahotsav’ has today become a permanent fixture of Odisha Tourism’s vibrant events calendar.
The concert was attended by Principal Secretary Tourism Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Director Tourism Shri Sachin R. Jadhav, OTDC Chairperson Smt. Shreemaye Mishra, ‘Vrindaban Gurukul’ trustee Smt. Pushpanjali Chaurasia and Joint Secretary Tourism Shri Durga Prasad Mohapatra.
