Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan from Dec 28

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 12

Performances from acclaimed artists and a 15-stall handicraft exhibition from the North Zone Cultural Centre, along with classical fervour from internationally acclaimed artists shall mark the 143rd Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan this year. The event has been recognised as the oldest classical music festival in the country and it is also often attributed as the oldest unbroken chain of classical music festival in the world.

To be held at the Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar from December 28 to December 30, the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan will witness performances by artists Pt Rajan Sajan Mishra (vocal); father-son duo acclaimed virtuoso Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Pt Salil Bhatt (vocal); Sulochna Brahaspati, Dhrupad exponent Ustad F Wasifusdin Dagar; Pt Suresh Talwalkar (table); Jayateerth Mevundi (vocal); Dr Pt Narasimhalu Vadavati (clarinet); Indrani Mukherjee (vocal), among others. — TNS

The clarinet will also make an appearance during the ‘Sammelan’ this year. The music completion for the ‘Sammelan’ will be held from December 24 to December 27, in association with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NGCC), Patiala. The state government through the department of tourism has extended a helping hand for the event.

The event will also see the participation by Spic Macay. The organisation will observe its annual celebrations during the ‘Sammelan’. A total of 100 students will participle in the event.

Purnima Beri, president, Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Mahasabha, while talking to mediapersons here today said: “A special fair by the NZCC, which will feature 15 stalls, be a special addition to the event.The clarinet will be a unique feature of the event.” “Besides, the participation by 100 students during a five-day stay of the organisation Spic Macay is also expected to enliven the ‘Sammelan’ this year. We will look after the boarding and lodging for the students on the premises of Devi Talab.,” she added.

On the occasion, Prof Saubhagya Vardhan, Director, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, said: “We are bringing in top 15 artisans from across the 15 states of the country with their top craft, for the event. Across these 15 stalls, none of the 15 states will be repeated. The artisans include those handpicked by us for our fare held across the country will sell choicest fare from various states at a reasonable price.”

No funds has been released by Sidhu

Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, had last year made a robust appearance at the initial press meet held to herald the event. This year, the minister hasn’t extended any formal help or commitment for the ‘sammelan’ so far. No funds were declared for the event by Sidhu last year. Purnima Beri, president, Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Mahasabha said: “We have sent a formal invitation to Sidhu but it has neither been accepted nor declined as yet. We did not extend an invitation for the press met today considering his illness. We hope that he will attend the ‘Sammelan’.