The third day of the ‘Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav 2025’ turned into a spellbinding evening of musical brilliance as the fusion of flute, sitar, tabla, drums and other instruments left Nagpurians enthralled at the Ishwar Deshmukh College Ground, Hanuman Nagar. The concert commenced with the evocative ‘Dancing with the Beat’ in Raag Hansadhwani, composed and performed by eminent flutist Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar, which set the stage aglow with a vibrant blend of classical and contemporary sounds. Joining him were drum artists Gautam Sharma and Nilesh More, jazz maestro Atul Raninga, bass guitarist Manish Kulkarni, and sitarist-vocalist Sweekar Katti. The ensemble was further elevated by Bikram Ghosh, famed for his dominance in pop and rock percussion, and Taufiq Qureshi, celebrated for his unmatched rhythmic command. Together, they delivered a sonic journey that delighted and astonished the audience.

 

The performance ‘Back to the Roots’, inspired by Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar’s Raag Kalavati, took listeners to the pinnacle of musical ecstasy, followed by an emotional rendition of Raag Bageshree in Jhaptaal. Bikram and Taufiq’s dynamic ‘Ramta’ fusion piece, which was performed acapella by the duo left the crowd spellbound. Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar expressed gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the festival’s visionary, for providing a platform that promotes music in Vidarbha. The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony attended by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Kanchan Gadkari, State Chief Information Commissioner Rahul Pande, noted surgeon Dr Muzaffar Lakdawala, Dr Harshavardhan Mardikar, Dr Manjusha Mardikar, industrialist Atul Goyal, and others. The event was anchored by Richa Sugandh, Bal Kulkarni, and Renuka Deshkar. 

 

 

Before the main fusion concert, the local James Band set the mood with an energetic musical performance that had the crowd swaying to its beats. Led by vocalist James Ingole, the band featured guitarist Mohit Choudhary, keyboard artist Ayush Bangariya, drummer Kunal Shende, and bassist Joseph Newton. Their lively blend of modern rhythms and soulful melodies drew cheers from the audience. The band members were felicitated by dignitaries for their captivating performance, marking a proud moment for the city’s emerging musical talent.

 

 

Jagar Bhakticha concludes with soulful Ramraksha recitation

 

The ‘Jagar Bhakticha’ session under the MP Cultural Festival resonated with divine energy as devotees participated in the recitation of Ramraksha Stotra thirteen times and Maruti Stotra, amid chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Hanuman’. Hundreds of men, women, and children gathered at the Ishwar Deshmukh Ground to join in this devotional celebration. The ceremony was inaugurated by Kanchan Gadkari, Bhagwatacharya Swami Surithanandji Maharaj, Swami Suryanand Maharaj, and other dignitaries. The event also featured a Namasmran Dindi procession, where young girls carrying Tulsi saplings sang hymns, creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality. The morning began with a meditation session organised by Sahaj Yoga Foundation, followed by the lighting of lamps and collective prayers.