CHANDIGARH: A melodious presentation of Banaras Gharana gayaki, enriched with Bhajan, Kajri, Thumri, and Chaiti, was organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra. Pracheen Kala Kendra hosted a special workshop-cum-lecture demonstration on Banarasi Thumri, Kajri, and Chaiti by noted classical vocalist Sh. Parveen Kashyap of the Banaras Gharana. The program was held at the M.L. Koser Auditorium, Sector 35, Chandigarh, starting at 11:00 a.m. On this occasion, Dr. Shobha Koser (Registrar) and Dr. Samria Koser (Additional Registrar) were also present.
Sh. Parveen Kashyap, a renowned classical singer and guru of the Banaras Gharana, is known for his soulful renditions. His singing beautifully blends the rich traditions of the gharana with purity of notes, methodical presentation, melody, meend, intricate tihayas, and layakari. He has captivated audiences with his performances at numerous prestigious platforms.
He commenced the session with Raga Bhairav. Following a traditional alaap, he presented a special composition as a tribute to the Kendra: “Pracheen Kala Kendra jahan hai gunijan, jinko karte hum naman.” This was followed by a tabla solo by the young and talented Aaradhya Pravin, son of Sh. Pravin Kashyap. He received thunderous applause for his dynamic presentation of uthan, paran, rela, and kaida in teentaal.
After this energetic performance, Sh. Parveen Kashyap returned to the stage and presented Thumri, Dadra, and a Bhajan with the lyrics “Aisa pyar baha de Maiya,” which was highly appreciated by the audience.
The workshop concluded with an interactive sawal-jawab session with students in Raga Vrindavani Sarang. He shared valuable tips on riyaz and emphasized its importance in learning music. He also guided students on alaap, alankar, and palta techniques.
The program featured fine accompaniment by young city-based harmonium player Piyush Mishra. At the end, Dr. Shobha Koser honored the artists with a memento and uttariya.