Devotional fervour filled the air as the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Directorate of Cultural Affairs organised the musical programme ‘Gajar Vitthal Namacha’ on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi at Kavi Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Reshimbagh, on Friday. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees and music lovers, who immersed themselves in the devotion of Lord Vitthal.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mayor Neeta Thakre, MLA Pravin Datke, former MLA Prof Anil Sole, MLA Sudhakar Kohale, corporators Sarika Nandurkar and Pramila Gaur, Dr Upendra Kothekar, Ashish Wandile and Sudhir Dive. Vasant Khadse and Rupesh Gaydhane were present on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
The evening began with the soulful chant of ‘Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari’, setting a deeply spiritual tone. Manjiri Vaidya Iyer’s rendition of ‘Amrutahuni God’ created a devotional ambience in the auditorium. National Award-winning playback singer Savani Ravindra captivated the audience with devotional classics including ‘Mogra Phulala’, ‘Sundar Te Dhyan’, ‘Ranga Yei Vo’, ‘Bheti Lagi Jeeva’, ‘Kanadau Vitthalu’, ‘Runu Jhunu Runu Jhunu’ and ‘Avachita Parimalu’. Her soulful performances resonated throughout the auditorium, with devotees joining in the chants of Lord Vitthal’s name.
‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ fame Abhishek Marotkar enthralled the audience with ‘Rupe Sundar’, ‘Abir Gulal’, ‘Yei Vo Vitthale’, ‘Bagha Ughaduni Dar’ and ‘Mauli Mauli’. ‘Indian Idol’ fame Hrishikesh Karmarkar received repeated applause and an encore demand for his performances of ‘Dnyaniyancha Raja’ and ‘Vedha Vedha’. He also won hearts with ‘Tirth Vitthal’ and ‘Kanada Raja’. Manjiri Vaidya Iyer further enriched the evening with her renditions of ‘Ye Ga Ye Ga’, ‘Pandharang Nami’, ‘Vishwache Aart’ and ‘Ya Pandhariche Sukh’.
The musical accompaniment was provided by Parimal Joshi, Ashok Tokalwar, Yatharth Tokalwar, Shridhar Harle, Tushar Vighne, Rahul Manekar, Shivalal Yadav and Nishikant Deshmukh.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Minister for Cultural Affairs Adv Ashish Shelar and conceptualised by MLA Pravin Datke. Kishor Galande compered the event, while Kunal Gadekar coordinated the programme. Music direction was by Parimal Joshi. Technical support was provided by Sunil Hamadapure, Vishal Yadav and Harshal Parate, while Mayuri Patre adorned the venue with an artistic rangoli.
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