Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 29: Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with Amar Mahal Museum and Library presented a unique musical programme ‘Narrative Traditions of Duggar’ here at Darbar Hall, Amar Mahal.
Lady Helen Hamlyn, Chairperson, Helen Hamlyn Trust (UK), who is one of the best known Britain’s philanthropists supporting Arts, Culture, Education and Humanitarian projects was the chief guest on the occasion whereas B N Goswamy, one of the country’s leading art historians and the pro-eminent scholar of Indian miniature was the guest of honour.
Dr Jyotsana Singh, Director, Amar Mahal Musuem and Library in her welcome address dwelt in details about the initiatives of the museum aimed at documentation, preservation and promotion of priceless cultural heritage of the region.
The programme ‘Narrative Traditions of Duggar’ featuring the rarest traditional musical expressions started with a detailed description of each item featured by Regional Director, ICCR Jammu, Balwant Thakur.
The first item of the programme was ‘Masaade’ which was presented by Daya Ram and his group. Daya Ram who the last living treasure of the tradition aged 90 plus kept the audience spellbound with this unique singing style.
Masaade was followed by Karkan featuring the legendary karkan singers, Chaggar Nath and Party. The highpoint of the programme was ‘Bhakh’ singing by Krishan Singh and group. The Bhakh is a chorus narrative singing which is sung by a group of singers numbering 5 to 25 that too without the accompaniment of any musical instrument.
The grand finale of the programme was presented by Raman Salathia and Group. Accompanied by the celebrated flute player Rakesh Anand, Salathia brothers created a crescendo through their unique style of chorus singing.
Prominent among those who attended the event included Shobita Punja, Mala Tondon, Nicholas O’ Rouke, Carla Bochi, Dr Lalit Magotra, RC Puri, Lalit Gupta, Arvind Kotwal and RS Pathania.
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