HYDERABAD: It was early in the morning—well, 7.30 am did seem pretty early on a Sunday. We made our way through the quiet streets of the Old City, the slow pace of the morning guiding us to Samsthan Shree Bhatji Bapu Maharaj Trust in Uppuguda.
We were immediately stunned as we beheld the 400-year-old temple, surrounded by greenery and devoid of the city noise and chaos. Inside, people gathered around the sacred Shiva Linga, enjoying live classical music performances. Organised by Tatvaa, the Morning Raaga series ensured that we lost ourselves in the serene moment, right in the middle of the city.
Set in a sprawling five-acre green space near Old City, the 19th monthly concert of the series aimed at reviving the ancient tradition of temple music and featured a captivating vocal recital by Abhijit Apastambh from Ahmednagar, with Prashant Gajre on the tabla and Rahul Deshpande playing the harmonium. They melodiously kicked off the concert with Raaga Natbhairav, performing a Vilambit Khayal bandish for the song Pinakdhar Shankar, followed by Sab Mil Gao Bajao, sung in Rupak bandish with a Tarana in Drut Ektaala. Next, they enchanted the audience with Raaga Bhatiyar, Madhyalaya bandish and Taala Jhaptaala in the song Anand Karo Ghadi Mangal Ki Aayi.
The audience was equally taken with Mai Toh Tero Naam Japta Hun, sung in Drut Ektaala bandish. They wrapped up with Raaga Ahir Lalit, offering a bandish in Taala Rupak for the song Jaag Jaag Sajni, and another in Taala Teentala for J.