The 18th edition of the much sought-after Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki Sangeet Mahotsav will be held from March 29-31, 2024 at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud, Pune. The festival is organized to celebrate the contribution of Padmashree Pt Jitendra Abhishekhi to the field of Indian classical music. Entry to the festival is free for all on a first come first served basis.
The three-day festival being organized by Tarangini Sanskritik Pratishthan and Apla Parisar will be inaugurated by Renowned Scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar in the presence of Murlidhar Mohol, former Mayor of Pune City on Friday March 29 at 5:30pm. The timing of the sessions on 2nd and 3rd day would be 9am to 1pm and 5:30pm to 10pm.
Addressing a press conference Ujwal Keskar of Apla Parisar said, “Padmashree Pt Jitendra Abhishiki’s voice resonates even today amongst audiences who have had the privilege of witnessing his performances. We want the newer generations to know of his greatness and have been organizing this Sangeet Mahotsav for the past 17 years.”
Pt Shounak Abhisheki’s son, Abhed Abhisheki who was also present at the Press conference spoke about the illustrious Pt Jitendra Abhisheki awards being conferred upon legendary artists. Pt. Suhas Vyas will be decorated with ‘Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar’ along with ‘Pratithayash Gayika Puraskar’ being presented to well-known singer Sania Patankar.
“This year we will also be felicitating Govind Bedekar with a ‘Sarvotkrushtha Ayojak Puraskar’ for efficaciously organizing programs in the field of music along with a special honour to Pt Mohan Kumar Darekar to mark his 60th birthday,” added Abhed Abhisheki.
Post the inauguration, day one of the Mahotsav will witness ‘Swarabhishek’ featuring compositions composed and sung by Padmashree Pt. Jitendra Abhishekhi. It will be presented by Dr Raja Kale, disciple of Pt Jitendra Abhisheki, Pt. Shounak Abhisheki, disciple, and son of Pt Jitendra Abhisheki, Ganasaraswati Kishori Amonkar’s disciple Pt. Raghunandan Panshikar and Pt. Anand Bhate, a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pt Bhimsen Joshi.
Through the festival, young talent is given an opportunity and this year the morning sessions of day two and three will begin with ‘Yuvonmesh’ wherein the audience will get to enjoy the performance of promising young artists.
On day two, the morning session of ‘Yuvonmesh’ will include the vocal performance of Yash Kolhapure, a Sarod performance by Nitish Purohit and another vocal performance by Bhagyesh Marathe. Day two evening session will witness the vocal rendition of Sangeetcharya Pt Mohan Darekar, senior disciple of Pt Jitendra Abhisheki. This will be followed by a sarangi recital by Harsh Narayan, grandson, and disciple of sarangi player Pt Ram Narayan. Day two will conclude with the melodious vocal performance of veteran singer Pt Venkatesh Kumar.
On Day three ‘Yuvonmesh’ will begin with the vocal recital of Delhi-based singer Deepak Singh followed by a solo Tabla performance by Savani Talwalkar. This segment will conclude with a vocal performance by Vilina Patra.
The evening session of the last day of the Mahotsav will begin with the Kathak recital by Manali Deo. After this, Vidushi Sangeeta Shankar will perform on her violin and the festival will conclude with the soulful performance of renowned vocalist Pt Ajay Pohankar of the Kirana Gharana.
The three-day Pt Jitendra Abhisheki Sangeet Mahotsav will be compeered by Ravindra Khare.
