SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 4: Renowned music maestro Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori has introduced a new Hindustani Classical raga, named Raga Bhagwati in tribute to Mother Goddess Durga. This significant addition to the classical music repertoire was presented during his performance at the prestigious Ma Kushmanda Sangeet Samaroh, held at Durgakund, Varanasi.
Pt. Abhay Sopori, a distinguished representative of the Shaiv-Sufi tradition and the 300-year-old Santoor legacy of the Sopori-Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir, unveiled Raga Bhagwati with a deep sense of devotion and reverence. During the concert, he explained that Raga Bhagwati embodies the essence of devotion and prayer to Goddess Durga, representing the supreme power in Hindu tradition.
The presentation of this new raga included an Aalap & Jod, followed by Vilambit Gat in Teentaal, Gat in Madhyalaya Ektaal, and Drut Gat in Teentaal. Abhay’s performance was a mesmerizing display of mellifluous playing, rapid tempo, and the intricate nuances of the Sopori Baaj, a unique style of playing Classical Santoor developed by the legendary Saint-Musician, the late Pt. Bhajan Sopori. This performance showcased both the Gayaki and Tantrakari styles, featuring techniques such as Meends, Gamaks, Glides, Taans, Bol patterns, and various Chhands. Adding to the spiritual ambiance, Abhay also performed a new Bandish penned by him “He Ma Tu Hai Bhawani, Durga Tu Durgatinashani, Jagat Janani Sati Sadhvi, Maha Lakshmi Saraswati Kali, Kripa Karo he Bhagwati, ‘Das’ Kare Pukar.” The soulful rendition of this Bandish further highlighted the raga’s thematic focus on divine femininity and power. He was accompanied by Pt. Lalit Kumar on Tabla and Ankit Parikh on Pakhawaj, whose rhythms added depth and texture to the performance.
This introduction of Raga Bhagwati marks a significant contribution to the Hindustani Classical music tradition and continues Pt. Abhay Sopori’s legacy of innovation and devotion in the world of music.
