#### Evening Immersed in Classical Grandeur through Swar Ragini and Odissi Dance

Udaipur,The two-day ‘Malhar’ classical festival, organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, culminated on Sunday evening with a vibrant display of musical mastery and spiritual dance expression. Held at the Darpan Auditorium in Shilpgram, the event enchanted classical connoisseurs with a rare blend of instrumental innovation and high-calibre Odissi dance performances.

The evening commenced with an extraordinary presentation by Pt. Subhash Ghosh, who captivated the audience with his unique creation — the Swar Ragini, an Indian classical instrument he invented in 2011. Ghosh, who heads the "Academy of Indian Classical Music and Fine Arts" in Chandigarh, delivered a soul-stirring performance that combined traditional ragas with emotional depth. A disciple of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Amjad Ali Khan, Ghosh opened with Raag Miyan ki Malhar, crafting mesmerizing compositions that resonated in different taals, entrancing the audience throughout.

Continuing his melodic journey, he presented Gandhiji’s bhajans — Vaishnav Jan To and Raghupati Raghav — in Raag Jaijaiwanti, evoking serenity and patriotism. A poignant highlight of his set was the rendition of “Chitthi Na Koi Sandesh” in Raag Kirwani, offered as a tribute to victims of recent wars and natural disasters. His final piece, Aahvaan, set in Raag Charukeshi, was a prayerful call for divine intervention in today’s troubled times.

The performance was enriched by the accompaniment of young flautist Siddharth Jogi, just 11 years old, whose remarkable skill won hearts and loud applause. Ghosh was joined by Siddharth Chatterjee and Rajneesh Dhiman on tabla, Suresh Kumar on percussion, and the prodigious Siddharth Jogi on flute — each artist contributing to an immersive musical celebration. The finale, a vibrant blend of folk melodies from different Indian states, turned the auditorium into a joyous cultural fest.

Odissi Dance: A Soaring Spiritual Experience

As the evening progressed, it ascended into spiritual heights with a spellbinding Odissi dance performance by celebrated dancer Vani Madhav, a leading proponent of the Guru Debaprasad Das tradition. Alongside her troupe, Madhav presented three signature styles of Odissi — Mangalacharan, Kalyan Pallavi, and Bhajami Vindhyavasini — each infusing the ambiance with classical depth and divine grace.

The performance opened with Mangalacharan in Raag Pahadi, featuring a dynamic interpretation of the Shiv Tandav composed by Ravana. The expressive and rhythmically powerful dance drew resounding applause. This was followed by Kalyan Pallavi, based on Raag Kalyan, which unfolded like a blossoming flower — a symbol of peace and beauty, radiating calm and elegance.

The performance concluded with Bhajami Vindhyavasini, an ode to Goddess Vindhyavasini in Raag Malika, filling the hall with spiritual fervor. Throughout the show, the Darpan Auditorium echoed with applause, reflecting the audience’s deep appreciation for this rare classical presentation.

A Tradition of Monsoon Melodies

Speaking about the event, WZCC Director Furqan Khan shared that Malhar has been a monsoon tradition for the past 15 years, offering classical music and dance lovers a soulful cultural treat every Sawan. The program began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony by Director Furqan Khan, Deputy Director (Programs) Pawan Amrawat, Assistant Director (Finance & Accounts) Durgesh Chandwani, and Superintending Engineer C.L. Salvi. The stage was eloquently hosted by Mohita Dixit.

‘Malhar’ once again proved to be a cultural confluence of innovation and tradition — a celebration of the monsoon not just through rain, but through ragas, rhythm, and reverence.