Music lovers gathered for a special evening as the Raga Fellowship Foundation brought together two maestros. An evening with sitarist Abhik Mukherjee and sarod player Arnab Chakrabarty proved just that. Their performance celebrated tradition, devotion, and the timeless beauty of Indian classical music.
Mukherjee began with a mesmerising 50-minute rendition of Raga Puriya, playing through the pain of an injured finger. His alaap was rich with emotion, each note carefully placed, making the raga feel fresh and deeply personal. His jod and jhala sections carried a quiet intensity, and his adaptation of khayal compositions from the Agra gharana into sitar gats brought a new dimension to the music. Ustad Rafiuddin Sabri’s tabla accompaniment provided a steady yet dynamic rhythm, adding depth to Mukherjee’s melodies.
Chakrabarty followed with Raga Hameer, playing with a grace that felt both effortless and profound. His alaap unfolded gently, drawing listeners into the raga’s mood. The rhythmic flow of his Dhamar composition, set to Rupak tala, added a lively pulse to the performance. With Pandit Durjay Bhaumik on tabla, the exchange between melody and rhythm was deeply engaging. The evening ended with Raga Gara, a tribute to Chakrabarty’s musical roots, bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
As the final notes faded, there was a moment of silence before the applause began, reflecting the depth of the experience. For those in attendance, it was a night of pure musical joy, a reminder of the enduring power of to move hearts and bring people together.
