On a different note
Dhrupad
Mela
Tulsi Ghat ~ Banaras
So simple and Indian the arrangement was. Neither did one notice ‘security’ males in uniform nor the ‘decked’ up females to make announcements or offer flowers. Flowers and diyas were present on the stage though – once in a while someone filled the oil! It was not ‘over’ sanitized either - had the audience at ease! Our love for hierarchy too was apparent in the 2 large chairs which sat empty most of the time.
The
diversity and skill of performers had a wide range of audience. Someone we had
tea with had come for the 4 day event from Bombay, enjoyed from 6 pm to 6 am
and slept over during the days! Majority
audience, however, seemed to be either from Europe or Bengal. Where then are the
Banarasis one wondered aloud! Especially the younger generation whose
representatives we had seen in crazy numbers walking the Panch Koshi Yatra a
day ago!
Expresso
coffee machines are not an extinct species in Varanasi unlike few other places
one has been to. Not only were the coffee and chai friendly to the pocket but
one also had the option of buying one / two biscuits! An elderly uncle stood
selling peanuts – with salt and chutney. While the book and CD stores were a
welcome sight, what attracted one’s attention were the music equipments on
display at another.
The
performances made one wonder on partnership and sharing; of soaking in a craft together
and of the guru shishya tradition. They made one question why one put in more
time with numbers as opposed to ragas during the earlier years! They
underscored the fact that live performances are a world apart from listening in
the comfort of our homes and when music is that good on does not need to bother
about logistics.
Glimpses
on you-tube
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