A Soulful Experience at Maihar Music Festival Atala Art City, Celebrated in the Durbar Hall of Brij Vilas Maihar Palace
- Bhumika, Daughter Of Bandhi
- Feb 8
- 4 min read
New Delhi: As an Art & Culture Correspondent, my journey often takes me across diverse cultural landscapes, but attending the Maihar Music Festival Atala Art City (MAA) on 1st Feb 2025 was a profoundly moving experience. Hosted by the Maihar District Administration, with the support of DM Maihar, Smt. Rani Batad, and HH Rajmata Kaviteshwari Devi of Maihar, the festival was held in the historic Durbar Hall of Brij Vilas Maihar Palace.
This mesmerizing celebration of classical music traditions brought together renowned musicians, creating an atmosphere of enchantment and deep artistic immersion. HH Rajmata Kaviteshwari Devi of Maihar, wife of the late HH Maharaja Shrimant Saheb Charnamrit Singh Ju Deo Bahadur, is deeply passionate about promoting cultural heritage. Her dedication to preserving her legacy and celebrating India’s rich artistic traditions has made her a prominent patron of classical music, arts, and heritage initiatives.
MAA celebration aimed to honor the legendary Maihar Gharana, which was formed by Maharaja Sir Brijnath Sinhji Randhirsinhji Ju Deo Bahadur K.C.I.E., the 9th Maharaja of Maihar (1911–1968) and legendary Baba Allaudin Khan was the court musician of the Maharaja of Maihar. Under the patronage of Maharaja Brijnath Sinhji, Baba Allaudin Khan (Padma Vibhushan) a multi-instrumentalist played a crucial role in glorifying the gharana by training a generation of world-renowned artists. The distinguished disciples of the Maihar Gharana, including Pandit Ravi Shankar (sitarist, Bharat Ratna awardee), Ustad Ali Akbar Khan (sarod maestro, Padma Vibhushan awardee), Pandit Pannalal Ghosh (flutist), Pandit Nikhil Banerjee (sitarist, Padma Bhushan awardee), Annapurna Devi (surbahar), and many more, have all practiced their riaaz in the specially designed music room at Brij Vilas Palace, Maihar. This historic space has nurtured generations of maestros, preserving and evolving the rich traditions of Indian classical music.
As the evening unfolded, the Maihar Music Festival at Atala Art City commenced with a mesmerizing recital of classical ragas by the gifted Bharti Singh Rajput. Her soulful performance effortlessly transported the audience into a realm of serenity and devotion. Experiencing such artistry, deeply rooted in the legacy of the Maihar Gharana, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. Witnessing this profound musical heritage come to life in real-time was truly unforgettable.
Each artist who graced the stage brought a distinctive essence to their performance. The seamless sitar jugalbandi by Ananya Jain and Ashish Jain, complemented by the rhythmic beats of the tabla, created a mesmerizing symphony that captivated every listener. The electrifying Kathak performance by Pushpanjali Chaudhary was one of the festival’s highlights, filling the air with energy and grace.
One of the most memorable moments of the festival was the breath-taking fusion of sitar, sarod, and violin ragas by Ambikesh Chaudhary and his ensemble. The way their melodies intertwined with the serene ambiance of the Durbar Hall was magical. The dedication and passion of the artists were evident, and their music spoke directly to the soul, leaving an indelible mark on every heart present.
Maihar Music Atala Art City, with its rich artistic and cultural essence, provided the perfect setting for this grand celebration of music. The Durbar Hall of Brij Vilas Maihar Palace, adorned with subtle lighting and traditional décor, radiated an aura of spirituality, elevating the experience. As the cool evening breeze intertwined with the timeless rhythms of classical instruments, the atmosphere became meditative, almost transcendental, leaving an indelible mark on every listener.
Beyond being a series of performances, the MAA event is a celebration of India’s classical heritage. It serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the traditions of the Maihar Gharana continue to thrive. As an art lover, witnessing this seamless blend of history, art, and musical devotion reaffirmed my belief in the power of culture to connect and inspire.
Leaving the festival, I felt a deep sense of gratitude—not just for the music but for the opportunity to experience such an extraordinary artistic journey. For anyone who appreciates the depth and beauty of Indian classical music, the Maihar Music Festival at Atala Art City is an experience that must not be missed.
Music has a way of touching the soul, and this festival was a perfect reminder of its timeless power. It was not just an event; it was an immersive journey into the heart of art, heritage, and musical devotion. The fusion of culture, tradition, and artistic excellence at this festival made it more than just a gathering—it felt like a moment in time, preserved in melody and memory.
(Bhumika, an esteemed Art & Culture Correspondent, hails from the noble Zamindar family of Bandhi (Satna). Deeply passionate about India's cultural legacy, she is dedicated to uncovering and narrating the rich tapestry of Indian heritage and the enduring legacy of Indian royals. Through her insightful storytelling, she brings to light the influence of royal patronage in music, dance, architecture, culinary art, tradition & culture and indigenous crafts, ensuring that India's timeless traditions continue to inspire generations. Feel free to reach out to the writer at ✉️ monumentmitra@gmail.com.
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