Swaranjali: a celebration of Indian performing arts
Music concert
Shri Manesh Maharaj, the artistic director.
Image: Supplied
IN AN age where the world moves at an unrelenting pace, where screens compete for attention and tradition risks being drowned in noise, Swaranjali, a music concert, stands tall.
"It is not merely a music concert, but a heartfelt movement to preserve and nurture the soul of Indian performing arts in South Africa," said the show's producer and director, Shri Manesh Maharaj of the Kala Darshan - Institute of Classical Music and Dance.
"Rooted in classical yet alive in the contemporary dance, Swaranjali is a cultural landmark. It is a celebration of the rich, ancient traditions of Indian music, brought to life by passionate artists and ardent patrons. But more than performance, it has purpose, to carry forward our artistic legacy with dignity and devotion.
"For many, music is entertainment. For us, it is identity. In the ragas and rhythms, in the taal and the thumri, we don’t just hear notes, we feel ancestry, we sense the soil of our origins, and we remember the voices of those who came before us.
Yadav Nunnan will play the tabla.
Image: Supplied
"Swaranjali is where that memory is honored and reimagined. What makes this event truly powerful is its ability to connect generations. Grandparents who once learned classical arts in their youth now see their grandchildren take to the stage, not just imitating but innovating. In these inter-generational moments lies the heartbeat of Swaranjali - a living, breathing testament to the resilience and relevance of our heritage."
Maharaj said the concert, on July 5 at the Milkwood Theatre at 6pm, was also a platform for emerging artists to perform alongside masters, to learn, to grow, and to contribute to an evolving tapestry of cultural expression.
Rishikulya Pakiry will play the sitar.
Image: Supplied
"It is where discipline meets devotion, and where tradition finds new life in fresh voices. But beyond the music and movement, Swaranjali is a call to the community to stand for something timeless. Join us for a cause to ensure that the Indian performing arts continue to echo in South Africa as a vibrant, ever-growing force."
The performers include: Revash Dookhi, Akshay Bensari and Kirath Bandulal on the tabla; Devon Govindsamy on the sitar; and Seendira Maharaj, Reshma Raghunath, Sookraji Brijbal and Barav Singh are the singers.
The Milkwood Theatre is at Danville Park Girls' High School in Durban North. Tickets are available via Webtickets and Pick n Pay or call 082 422 6865.