Jyotirgamaya – a dais for unsung performers; rare musical instruments from India
More such events at the state and global level are required to preserve the joy we all had and pass it to the next generation.
Source - GoI
How many of us have wondered will the talent that we see in temples, streets, villages and even trains ever get their due. Will this folk talent be lost forever once this generation passes? All is not lost.
Using the power of social media, the government has started Jyotirgamaya, a unique festival to showcase the talent of rare musicians, and musical instruments from across the country, including street performers, train entertainers, performers attached to temples, etc. This is a rare window of opportunity for folk musical artists and street performers.
The latest Jyotirgamaya was held in New Delhi last week. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, and Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture were present at the concluding day.
Th government used a social media campaign in which entrants from across the country were asked to send a small clip of their performance. The entries were reviewed, and a total of 75 performances were selected after considering the recommendations of eminent musicians and several institutions of repute, said a government statement.
Each day, 15 performers displayed their artistry in the five-day festival.
A live exhibition was also organised in Lalit Kala Gallery displaying the making of musical instruments like the Kamaicha, Ravanhatha, Rabab, Pung, Sarangi, Jodiya Pava, and Khol.
There were also workshops on the making of rare musical instruments such as the Maddlam, Rudra Veena, Dukkad, Shehnai and Nadaswaram. An exhibit of 20 rare musical instruments was also curated.
Arjun Ram Meghwal said understanding Sant Kabirdasji’s vision is important to understand Indian culture. Meenakashi Lekhi said it is the responsibility the youth to take forward our rich cultural history, and added, “the rare instruments played during the festival have given voice to the people even at times when the words failed to get them heard in society.”
The senior-most artiste of Brahm Veena, Ananda Bag, was felicitated.
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