‘Diwali Pahat reverberates the joy of Diwali festival’

 

 

Many people may not be aware of the birth of Diwali Pahat in Nagpur which has now become a part of city’s Diwali festivities. In fact now, the concept has blossomed with a few more festivals are witnessing such ‘Pahats’. Long ago, Diwali Pahat used to be broadcast on television which was a mix of song, drama, some mimicry, poetry etc. But Adv Bhanudas Kulkarni, Founder of Swarvedh, an organisation that holds musical events giving opportunity to amateur artists, brought Diwali Pahat into the city’s fold. “In 2006, we had organised our first ‘Diwali Pahat’ at Laxmi Nagar’s Scientific Hall and then we continued that tradition except during coronavirus pandemic for two years (2020 and 2021). We did not go for celebrity artists. We took it as a challenge and presented our programme with lesser known artists. The idea and our programme clicked. Today’s star singers Aniruddha Joshi and Rasika Chati, once were budding singers. But they did not forget their old days and made it a point to participate as singers in our event,” Adv Dr Bhanudas Kulkarni, a senior Lawyer in High Court elaborated.

 

Adv Kulkarni and his wife, retired Professor Dr Sheela Kulkarni, have been organising this event which has become an attraction for Nagpur. Diwali Pahat is a traditional folk singing style associated with the Diwali festival, particularly in Maharashtra. Diwali Pahat is a folk singing tradition where groups of people, often men, gather to sing devotional songs during the Diwali festival. “Diwali Pahat keeps Diwali spirit high. It’s a way to invoke blessings, celebrate the festival, and engage with community and culture. With Diwali Pahat the day starts with festive mood. Plus, music therapy is good for health--physical as well as mental. It is a constructive activity so nobody feels the vacuum. In fact, it gives us a pleasure. It creates festive mood, atmosphere. With the announcement of ‘Diwali Pahat’ which we send to our friends and well-wishers, they respond with the words that Diwali has started. It creates a festive atmosphere.” Diwali Pahat strengthens community bonds as people come together to sing and celebrate. It’s a part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, reflecting local traditions and values.

 

“We try that the event should not get monotonous so and there should not be repeatation of songs, we put a different theme every year, on the basis of which songs are planned. The event is a mixture of Hindi and Marathi songs strictly avoiding sad songs. This year, we are presenting ‘Natyasangeet’ which is missing from most Diwali Pahat event,” explained Adv Kulkarni. Connoisseurs of folk music and cultural traditions appreciate Diwali Pahat for its authenticity and community spirit. Those connected to the culture often experience nostalgia and joy listening to or participating in Diwali Pahat. Swarvedh organises five Diwali Pahat during which they put chits of different songs. People pick the chit and singers of the group sing the same. “The chits are usually kept during first Pahat programmme and second. Our team gets two days to practice those songs the chits of which picked by the audience. They present those songs. The songs are not in our list and we present them in just two-day practice,” said Adv Kulkarni. Diwali Pahat is a vibrant part of cultural tapestry, blending music, community, and tradition to enhance the celebrations. We are trying to add to the joy of people, Adv Kulkarni expressed with joy. n