Tranquillising sounds of sarod mesmerise audience at Katara

It was an evening of soothing instrumental music. The ambience was tranquillising. The melodies of three talented Indian instrumental players had a hypnotising effect on the audience who were present in large numbers.The performance was conducted by a three-member troupe visiting from India representing the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The troupe consisted of Debasmita Bhattacharya, Sangita Bhattacharya and Debajit Patitundi. Indian ambassador P Kumaran felicitated the music troupe with floral bouquet.The music event named ‘An Evening of Hindustani Instrumental Music’ was organised by the Embassy of Indian at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village recently. The event was held as part of the India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019. Noted Qatari dignitaries, diplomats of other countries and members of the Indian community enjoyed the classical Indian instrumental music. Saad al-Dosari, Katara HR Manager, and P Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar, were prominent guests among other attendees. Further guests present included the ambassadors of South Korea, China, Kenya, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Venunzula. The charge d affairs of Nepal and Argentina were also present. Diplomats from Algeria and Japan were also in attendance.Debasmita is one of India’s finest young players of sarod, an Indian musical instrument with strings. Her musical journey began at the tender age of four years. Along her journey, Debasmita has received numerous accolades and awards as an acknowledgement of her enthusiasm and dedication to the art of music. She is currently empanelled with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Sangita played the instrument Tanpura – a long-necked plucked string instrument. Debajit, an avid tabla player, also supported the group with his talent.Sarod is used mainly in Hindustani music on the Indian subcontinent. Along with the sitar, it is among the most popular and prominent instruments. Sarod is known for a deep, weighty, introspective sound, in contrast with the sweet, overtone-rich texture of the sitar, with sympathetic strings that give it a resonant, reverberant quality. It is a fretless instrument that is able to produce the continuous slides between notes –known as meend (glissandi) – which are important in Indian music.The way talented Debasmita played sarod coupled with tanpura and tabla spell bounded the audience who remained glued to their seats for the one and a half hour-long performance. The ambience was so soothing and it seemed everyone in the audience went on an introspective journey.Expressing his view about the event, Ambassador Kumaran said: “As part of series of presentations of Indian music during the course of India-Qatar Year of Culture, we are extremely delighted to present a musical rendition of Hindustani musical instruments.“Today’s performance was led by Debasmita Bhattacharya who is one of India’s finest young sarod players. Debasmita has received numerous accolades and awards as an acknowledgment of her enthusiasm and dedication to the art of music. Sangita Bhattacharya, who is mother of Debasmita, played tanpura and Debajit exhibited his talents through an accomplished tabla performance.“Debasmita also presented Rabindra Sangeet Ekla Chalo Re and also folk songs from Rajasthan and Himalayan states. Her melodious voice added more flavour to these presentations.”Talking to Community, Rajesh Singh, head of finance and sponsorship at Indian Cultural Centre, said: “This was yet another incredible event organised by the Embassy of India as a part of India- Qatar Year of Culture 2019 which was held at a magnificent venue of Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village.“The multi-cultural audience enjoyed the soothing sarod instrument played by the young and talented artist along with her mother. The trio enthralled the audience with their jugalbandi. It was nice to hear some popular songs from West Bengal and Rajasthan, which Debasmita sang well. I really am thankful to the ambassador and embassy officials for organising such a beautiful event celebrating friendship between India and Qatar.”The celebrated music troupe on Tuesday evening (yesterday) performed at Indian Cultural Centre where the Indian community at large was invited to enjoy the traditional classical music.