Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 23: To mark the first World Santoor Day, a musical event organised by the SaMaPa was held here today.
The day marks the birth anniversary of late Pandit Bhajan Sopori (1948-2022), known as the ‘Saint of Santoor’ and the ‘King of Strings.’
The ‘World Santoor Day’ pays tribute to his lifelong contributions.
Speaking on the occasion, Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori said, “There couldn’t be a better event than ‘World Santoor Day’ to pay tribute to a legend like Pandit Bhajan Sopori. This day will promote greater appreciation and understanding of the Santoor and its cultural philosophy. Papa’s contribution to the Santoor is immense, and this day will honour his legacy. This day shall not only honour Indian Santoor, but also the resembling instruments in various music cultures around the world like Santur in Iran, Santouri in Greece, Yangqin in China, Hammered Dulcimer in America, Cimbalom or Hackbrett in Europe, etc.”
Prof. Aparna Sopori, Chairperson SaMaPa, highlighted the day’s significance, stating, “World Santoor Day will spotlight the rich heritage and historical significance and legacy of the Santoor, the Shatatantri Veena, on global stage, which is more than 5000 years old, emphasizing its deep roots in the Kashmir Shaivism culture.”
The evening began with an introduction to the program and tribute to Pandit Bhajan Sopori.
The performances started with Ustad Shabir Saaznawaz’s Kashmiri Sufiyana Mausiki, followed by Maestro Siamak Aghaei’s classical Santur rendition from Iran.
Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori presented the nuances of Tantra and Gayaki in the style of Sopori Baaj. He presented traditional Bandish and Tarana in Raag Jog in his well-known style and singing together with the instrumental rendition including Alaap, Vilambit Gat in Jhaptaal, Madhyalaya Bandish, and concluded his performance with an Ati Drut Gat in Teentaal. Ustad Akram Khan accompanied him on Tabla.
Many well-known musicians who graced the 1st World Santoor Day included Pt. Rajinder Prasanna, Pt. Chetan Joshi, Pt. Bholanath Mishra, Ustad Asghar Hussain, Ustad Saeed Zafar Khan, Pt. Ajay P Jha, Pt. Ajay Prasanna, and others.
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