Musical treat Vasantotsav to begin from January 18

Pune: ‘Vasantotsav’, the most-awaited annual musical festival held in memory of famous classical singer Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande, will be held from January 18 to 20. However, all the passes for the festival are over.

The 12th edition of this music festival will be held at Pandit Farms in Karve Nagar. Apart from classical music, the audience will get to experience the melodious instrumental music, said  Convener Rahul Deshpande.

Organised in association with Sakal Media Group with PN Gadgil and Sons as the title sponsor, the event is powered by Ravetkar Housing. 

Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-op Society Ltd, Sumadhur, Shri Venkatesh Buildcon and Shri Ramkrishna Oil Mills Lakdi Ghana are the associate partners. 

Three awards, instituted by Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan for a senior musicologist, a musician with a creative contribution and a talented young musician, will be given during the ‘Vasantotsav’. 
This year, senior music critic MK Pardhy, renowned vocalist Pandit Vijay Sardeshmukh and Vishvesh Sardeshpande will be given these awards respectively.

Veteran Sarangi maestros Ustad Moinuddin Khan and Momin Khan, veteran classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana, singer Shounak Abhisheki, Rahul Deshpande, Adarsh Shinde are among those performing here. 

Entry is free and passes will be available from January 15. Charvee is the saree partner for this event, whereas Mehfil Catering Services and Girikand Holidays are food and travel partners respectively. 

Schedule for Vasantotsav
January 18 (Friday)

• Padmashree Ustad Moinuddin Khan and Momin Khan - 
• Sarangi recital (4 pm)
• Shounak Abhisheki - Classical Vocal (6 pm)
• Begum Parveen Sultana - Classical Vocal (8 pm)

January 19 (Saturday)

• Sapta Shatak - instrumental ensemble by Kamlesh Bhadkamkar (4 pm)
• 3G by Vikku Vinayakram - Percussion (6 pm)
• Rahul Deshpande - Classical Vocal (8 pm)

January 20, (Sunday)

• Jaduchi Peti - instrumental harmonium ensemble (4 pm)
• Adarsh Shinde - Marathi folk (6 pm)
• Sangeet Sanshay Kallol - Sangeet Natya: Classic Musical ( Rahul Deshpande, Priyanka Barve, Ameya Wagh and Deepti Mate) (7 pm)

We are into jewellery business, however, we consider the core of this business is art. Jewellery-making is first art and then a business. Therefore, we are proud to associate with Vasantosa, the festival of Classical Music. We are confident that the connoisseurs of music will appreciate this festival.
— Ajit Gadgil, Director of PN Gadgil and Sons

On the occasion of Vastosav, the connoisseurs of music from different generations come together and enjoy the music. Getting associated with this melodious tradition is like forging a bond with several art lovers. Ravtekar Housing has always encouraged all forms of art, music and literature, we will continue our support in future. 
— Amol Ravtekar, Chairman and MD, Ravetkar Housing

Cultural events and Puneites share a unique bond. The residents of Pune city always support cultural events. With Sakal’s participation, this cultural event has attained a new high. As this festival is free of all, common citizens can also enjoy this programme. Through this event, we can reach out to several people. 
— Sushil Jadhav, Zonal Manager, Lokamanya Multipurpose Co-operative Housing Society