The second musical evening of Chakradhar Samaroh held in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, was a memorable event that left the audience captivated until late into the night. Local artists and performers from across Chhattisgarh showcased their exceptional talents, providing a delightful experience for all attendees. Each artist delivered outstanding performances that were well-received by the audience.
The cultural evening commenced with a melodious performance by Mo.Ayan’s group on the piano. Their rendition of songs such as “Pehla Nasha,” “Kyunki Tum Hi Ho,” and “Mujhe Mein Kahin,” accompanied by instruments like the clap box, keyboard, melodica, tabla, octacord, and jambe, mesmerized the audience. The fusion of music and instruments created an enchanting atmosphere.
The program also featured a captivating Kathak dance performance by Ms. Neha Banerjee, representing the Lucknow Gharana. Her presentation included a Shiva Vandana in the first stage, two todas in three taals in the second stage, Tatkar in the third stage, Jhaptaal in the fourth stage, Tarana in the fifth stage, and a beautiful Thumri based on Shri Krishna Leela in the sixth and final stage. Ms. Anandita Tiwari of Raipur also showcased her Kathak dance skills, adding to the evening’s diversity of talent.
Ms. Aishwarya Pandit from Raipur graced the stage with her melodious singing, earning applause from the audience, especially for her rendition of “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo.” Additionally, Ms. Shrutidas from Raigarh delivered a wonderful presentation of Odissi dance, captivating the spectators with her graceful performance.
In the following segment of the musical evening, Ms. Jyotishree Bohidar, representing the Raigarh Gharana, presented a mesmerizing Kathak dance performance infused with Ram Bhajan and Shiv Stuti in Teen Taal. She was accompanied by talented artists, including Ojasvita, Srishti Garg, Sakshi Saav, Gungun Rawat, Pt. Sunil Vaishnav on Pandit, Basanti Vaishnav, Deepak Sahu on Tabla, Lala Ram Lunia on singing, Kushal Das Mahant on flute, and Safiq Hussain on Sarangi. Jyotishri Bohidar, with her impressive lineage, has earned recognition at national and international levels for her Kathak dance skills.
Similarly, Ms. Ghanishtha Dubey, also from the Raigarh Gharana, delivered an unmatched performance in Kathak dance, showcasing her talent and dedication to the art form.
The audience was deeply moved by a Chhattisgarhi song titled “Bar Tari Khade He Baratiya” performed by Ms. Aarti Singh of Raipur. Through her folk music (Lokchanda) rendition, she portrayed glimpses of emotions from engagement to separation in her song “Bihaav.” A special highlight was her outstanding performance of “Jai Ho Mor Chhattisgarhiya Maiya,” which resonated with the audience’s sentiments.
Ms. Aarti Singh’s performances were complemented by expressive dance routines that added to the overall charm of the evening. She also sang Jasgeet, paying tribute to the deity Mor Thakur and participating in the worship of Budhi Mai.
The audience had the opportunity to experience the story of Raja Chakradhar Singh through a folk dance presentation by Shri Hutendra Ishwar Sharma of Raigarh. His program commenced with a Lord Shri Ganesh Vandana and continued with a narrative of Raja Chakradhar Singh’s story through song. Shri Hutendra Ishwar Sharma showcased various folk dance performances, earning enthusiastic applause from the spectators.
Mohd. Roshan Ali from Raigarh delivered patriotic and bhajan songs that resonated deeply with the audience. His patriotic songs served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by martyrs. His rendition of “Sandesh Aate Hai Hume Tadpatte Hai” left the audience emotionally moved, while his bhajan performances added a spiritual touch to the evening.