Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 4: In order to pay tribute to Mother Goddess Durga, renowned Music Maestro Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori introduced a new Hindustani Classical raga, named Raga Bhagwati.
This new raga was presented during his performance at the prestigious Maa Kushmanda Sangeet Samaroh, held at Durgakund, Varanasi.
During the concert, he explained that Raga Bhagwati embodies the essence of devotion and prayer to Goddess Durga, representing the supreme power in Hindu tradition.
The presentation of this new raga included an Aalap and Jod, followed by Vilambit Gat in Teentaal, Gat in Madhyalaya Ektaal and Drut Gat in Teentaal. Abhay’s performance was a mesmerizing display of mellifluous playing, rapid tempo and the intricate nuances of the Sopori Baaj, a unique style of playing Classical Santoor developed by the legendary Saint-Musician, late Pt. Bhajan Sopori ji.
This performance showcased both the Gayaki and Tantrakari styles, featuring techniques such as Meends, Gamaks, Glides, Taans, Bol patterns and various Chhands.
Adding to the spiritual ambiance, Abhay also performed a new Bandish penned by him “He Ma Tu Hai Bhawani, Durga Tu Durgatinashani, Jagat Janani Sati Sadhvi, Maha Lakshmi Saraswati Kali, Kripa Karo he Bhagwati, ‘Das’ Kare Pukar.”
The soulful rendition of this Bandish further highlighted the raga’s thematic focus on divine femininity and power.
He was accompanied by Pt. Lalit Kumar on Tabla and Ankit Parikh on Pakhawaj, whose rhythms added depth and texture to the performance.
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