The popular music festival, Ruhaniyat, makes its way to the city, this weekend, after shows in Delhi and Mumbai. The 18th edition will bring to stage collaborations between Indian and international musicians -- Indo-Belgian production When hearts Connect, an over throat singer, Hosoo Khosbayar, from the mountains of Mongolia, and artists from Indian states including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, among others.
Inspired by Urdu word 'ruh', meaning soul, the festival is a celebration of Sufi music. Staying true to its name, Ruhaniyat has a line-up of artistes from across the world and country with a promise of an evening with soulful music. "Our singing is a combination of Bhakti sangeet and Sufi tradition. We mostly recite compositions of Sant Kabir, Meerabai, Baba Bullehsah to name a few," shares Mukhtiyar Ali, who will be presenting an Indo-Belgian Production, When Hearts Connect. Apart from Mukhtiyar Ali, the festival will feature Sufi Qawwali Chisti Brothers, Sindhi Saraiki (a presentation by Rajasthani group on the Indo-Aryan language of the Lahnda) and Gondhal, Jagran, Bharud (based on religious practices of Maharashtra).
Founded in 2001 by Mahesh Babu and Nandini Mahesh, directors of Mumbai-based Banyan Tree Events, the festival has a special focus on discovering and promoting the rich cultural heritage of rare, traditional performing arts in India through its events. Having successfully completed its 17th edition last year, the festival has carved a unique position for itself in the global music scene for its celebration of mystic traditions and messages from a range of cultures, and for the platform, it provides to the mystics of today to collaborate and impart their messages. “Ruhaniyat is also a platform to discover new forms and talents. But more than anything else, it helps one to discover a little peaceful realm within and connect with it, taking a break from the everyday world,” says Mahesh. Previous editions have featured acclaimed artists creating work in classical and folk in addition to Sufi music -- Parvathy Baul, the Warsi Brothers, Ateeq Hussain Khan, Hafiza Begum Choudhury and Vithal Rao, among others.
At Taramati Baradari. December 16, 7 pm.