The three-day eighth edition of the UdgAM Music Festival ‘Dhruv Parva’, organised by UdgAM Charitable Trust, concluded in Gandhinagar on September 27 after three days of soulful performances celebrating India’s rich classical music and dance traditions. Held from September 25 to 27, the festival brought together Hindustani classical music, Haveli Sangeet, Pakhawaj, Jal Tarang, Tabla and Odissi on one platform.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from music lovers across all three days, with artistes receiving a warm response from the audience.Shri Mayurbhai Joshi, Chairman, UdgAM Charitable Trust, said, “Dhruv Parva is our humble effort to bring the richness of Indian classical arts closer to audiences while creating a meaningful platform for both established and young artistes. Through this festival, we hope to celebrate our musical traditions, strengthen the guru-shishya legacy and encourage the next generation to connect with India’s cultural heritage. The response from audiences over these three days has been deeply encouraging.”
‘Dhruv Kala Samman’ honours two distinguished contributors The first day also featured the presentation of the ‘Dhruv Kala Samman’ for notable contributions to art and music.
Shri Nayanbhai Pancholi* was honoured for his contribution to Sugam Sangeet, while *Dr. Pranav Pandya of Gandhinagar* was also felicitated for his contribution and service to the field of art and music.
Classical music and Haveli Sangeet marked the opening day: The festival opened with a classical vocal performance by Shashwati Bhattacharya, who presented compositions in Raga Puriya Kalyan, followed by an Ashtapadi from the Gita Govinda. She was accompanied by *Shri Bimal Bhattacharya* on tabla and *Shri Priyansh Rajput* on harmonium.
The second presentation featured Shri Purushottam Rayji on Pakhawaj, with traditional compositions, paran, tukda, tihai and intricate rhythmic patterns showcasing the richness of Pakhawaj traditions.
The day concluded with a special *Haveli Sangeet presentation by Goswami Jigisha Betiji*, accompanied by her daughters *Kumari Krishnarup and Yamunaji*. Drawing from the devotional tradition of Shri Vallabhacharya and compositions of the Ashtachhap poets, the presentation explored the connection between raga, time, season and the tradition of singing in the Haveli.
Jal Tarang and young artistes highlight: The second day began with a Jal Tarang recital by Shri Shishir Chandra Bhatt*, featuring Raga Kirwani and a blend of melodic and rhythmic traditions.
He was accompanied by *Shri Vijay More* on tabla, *Shri Hemant Bhatt* on Pakhawaj and *Shri Priyansh Rajput* on harmonium.Young artistes *Kumari Krishnarupa Chenur and Kumari Yamuna Chenur* followed with a classical vocal presentation in Raga Bageshri, along with devotional compositions.The day also featured *group Pakhawaj performances by disciples of Shri Lakshman Bawaji*, showcasing traditional rhythmic compositions, followed by a group classical vocal presentation by students of *Sharanyam Academy*, disciples of Shivani Kinarivala. Their performances highlighted the role of the guru-shishya tradition in carrying Indian classical music to the next generation.
Odissi, Mewati Gharana and Tabla bring the fest: The final day opened with the Odissi dance-drama ‘Gandhari’, presented by renowned Odissi dancer Dr. Suprava Mishra and her disciples. Through classical movements, mudras and abhinaya, the performance explored the character and emotional world of Gandhari.
This was followed by a Hindustani classical vocal recital by Smt. Ami Parikh, representing the Mewati Gharana. Her repertoire included compositions in Raga Megh, Bhupali and Malgunji. She was accompanied by Shri Shishirchandra Bhatt on harmonium and Shri Madhav Dave on tabla.
The festival concluded with a group Tabla performance by Shri Arvindbhai Vora, tabla artiste and teacher at Arvind Kendra, Gandhinagar, along with his disciples. The presentation featured theka, kaida, palta, gat, tukda, rela and chakradhar compositions, concluding the three-day festival on a vibrant rhythmic note.
Celebrating India’s classical traditions and the guru-shishya legacy Across three days, ‘Dhruv Parva’ brought together classical vocal music, Haveli Sangeet, Dhrupad, Khayal, Kirtan, Bhajan, Jal Tarang, Pakhawaj, Tabla and Odissi, offering audiences an opportunity to experience diverse traditions of Indian classical arts on a single platform.
The festival also provided a platform for young artistes while celebrating the enduring guru-shishya tradition. The three-day programme was compered by Smt. Parul Mehta.
With enthusiastic audiences and warm appreciation for the artistes throughout the festival, the eighth edition of ‘Dhruv Parva’ concluded as a celebration of India’s rich heritage of music, rhythm, devotion, dance and classical arts.