On August 29, J&K LG Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Monsoon Music Festival ‘Boondan Phuhar ,’ a melodious celebration of the rainy season organised by the Girija Darshan Trust in New Delhi. The event was a cultural confluence where music, monsoon, and tradition harmonised beautifully, creating an unforgettable evening of classical ragas. In his address, he expressed heartfelt commendation for the organisers, recognising the festival as a testament to the enduring appeal of Indian classical music. He praised the evening’s dedication to ragas inspired by the monsoon, emphasising how such events play a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. A special highlight of the festival was the performance by Vidushi Sunanda Sharma, an esteemed Indian Classical Vocalist from the Banaras Gharana. A distinguished disciple of the legendary Smt. Girija Devi and Pt. Sudarshan Sharma, Vidushi Sunanda Sharma has been a torchbearer of the Banaras Gharana’s musical traditions. The LG lauded her significant contributions to safeguarding and enriching the musical and artistic legacy of Benaras. As Vidushi Sunanda Sharma took the stage, the audience was captivated by her soulful renditions of classical ragas that echoed the monsoon’s essence. Her voice, resonating with the depth and emotion characteristic of the Banaras Gharana, transported listeners to a realm where music and nature intertwined. She was accompanied by an ensemble of distinguished musicians: Sh Ghulam Ali on Sarangi, Sh Mithilesh Jha on Tabla, and Sh Vinay Mishra on harmonium. Their collaborative performance was a masterclass in the intricate interplay of melody and rhythm, each note reflecting the monsoon’s gentle showers and thunderous downpours. The festival, aptly named ‘Boondan Phuhar,’ was more than just a musical event; it was an essay in cultural continuity, celebrating the timeless connection between nature and music. By featuring classical ragas dedicated to the rainy season, the festival not only entertained but also educated, reminding the audience of the profound influence nature has on art. The presence of LG Shri Manoj Sinha lent a dignified air to the occasion, highlighting the importance of such cultural events in the national capital. His appreciation for the artists and organisers underscored the significance of nurturing the arts as a means of fostering national pride and preserving India’s diverse cultural heritage. ‘Boondan Phuhar’ was a vibrant celebration of India’s classical music, an ode to the monsoon, and a tribute to the maestros who continue to enrich the country’s artistic tapestry. The festival reaffirmed that in the symphony of life, art, and nature, the rains are not just a seasonal phenomenon, but a muse that inspires the soul to sing.
