Celebrating the essence of Thumri
‘Thumri festival’ will be held from September 14 – 16, at Kamani auditorium
Amusical extravaganza to celebrate the melodious journey of Hindustani Classical music will be held at Kamani Auditorium. Titled ‘Thumri festival’, the event is being organised by Sahitya Kala Parishad, Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of Delhi.
To be held from September 14-16, the festival will see participation of some veteran Thumri singers of the country along with outstanding young vocalists, who will light up the evening with their renditions.
Rajendra Pal Gautam, Minister for Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi will be marking his presence as the chief guest.
The beautiful blend of Hindustani classical music with traits of folk literature, Thumri is among the most eloquent traditions of Indian art. Thumri holds a history of over 500 years in Hindustani classical music.
It used to be sung in the royal kingdoms and palaces and its background originates from Varanasi, Gwalior and Awadh were the Thumri vocalists used to perform in the royal courts. They also used to sing in Dadra and Chaiti, which were equally popular during that period.
On day one, artists like Padmaja Chakraborty – a critically acclaimed Indian classical singer in different forms of vocal music including pure Hindustani Classical, Semi-classical like Pooravang forms like Thumri, Tappa, Chaitee, Jhoola, Hori, Jayateerth Mevundi – Hindustani classical music vocalist from the Kirana Gharana, Shubha Mudgal – Hindustani classical music singer whose collection includes genres of Khayal, Thumri and Dadra and others will be enthralling the audience with their performance.
On day two, one can witness fantabulous acts by Nila Sinha Roy – a Delhi based classical vocalist and Ghazal maestro, Kumud Diwan – a semi-classical vocalist and an established and acclaimed exponent of Thumri along with Rajan Sajan Misra – duo who has won many awards like Padma Bhushan in 2007, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, jointly in 1998, Gandharwa National Award for 1994–1995 and National Tansen Samman 2011–2012.
On day three, Rahul / Rohit Mishra, Hindustani classical vocalist duo of Benaras gharana, Indira Naik – a Sufi and ghazal singer from Mumbai, and Savita Devi, daughter of the late Padmashri Siddheshwari Devi who has been trained under her mother and specialised in Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri and Tappa of the Banaras Gharana (Purabang) will present some beautiful performances.