Dhrupad Utsav in city this weekend

HYDERABAD: Dhrupad, the most ancient style of Hindustani classical music that has survived until today in its original form, is back in its full and glorious form this weekend in the city. Dhrupad Utsav, a three day festival from October 13-15 for the first time by Dhrupad Sansthan and Dhruap Gurukulam at Patodia Hall at LVPrasad Eye Institute.The unique feature of Dhrupad music is the glorious and positive secularism it enshrines.

Sung by Miya Tansen in the Court of Emperor Akbar, the form was preserved by a Muslim family of Dagars. However, despite their religion, they did not change the compositions or the syllables which represent praise and chant of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. Classical music in India took a turn towards entertainment with forms like khayal, thumri, dadra and so on and lost its prime majesty through the Centuries, but the Dagars continued to stay with Dhrupad. 

The 20th Century members of the Dagar family were amongst the very few practitioners of the Dhrupad form. They took much trouble to make this art known more widely. The Dhrupad Sansthan has been organising two-day Dhrupad Utsavs in various cities to showcase such fine young Dhrupad musicians, along with reputed senior artistes as well, to spread and propagate Dhrupad Music as well as to give a platform to young upcoming artistes. This is the first time it is being orgaised in Hyderabad. The artist line up is impressive and classicial music conneisseurs may not want to miss this. Check out the dates and artistes in the poster above.