Patna: Hindustani classical music resonated through Bihar Museum on Sunday as the city’s music enthusiasts gathered for ‘Malhar Utsav’, a concert celebrating the monsoon through traditional compositions and seasonal ragas. The auditorium was packed as artists evoked the mood, romance and emotion associated with the rains.Organised by Navras School of Performing Arts in association with the state art and culture department, the concert featured traditional music genres including thumri, kajri, jhula and dadra before a houseful audience.Vocalist Dhanashri Ghaisas, a disciple of Jaipur-Atrauli gharana exponent Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, led the recital. She was accompanied by Pandit Dharmanath Mishra of Banaras gharana on harmonium and Bibhas Sanghai on tabla, creating an ensemble that reflected the rich textures of Hindustani classical music. The performances included ‘maan na kariye gori’, ‘barkha bairi bhayo sanjania’, ‘aiso aayo bairi badra’, among others.“Malhar utsav celebrates monsoon through the evocative melodies of monsoon ragas that hold a special place in the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music, with malhar being the most iconic among them. The raga conjures images of dark clouds gathering in the sky, the fragrance of wet earth and the joy of rain showers. More than music, malhar becomes a dialogue between the musician and nature, capturing the mood, beauty and spirit of the monsoon,” said Ajit Pradhan, secretary, Navras School of Performing Arts.Anjani Kumar Singh, director general of Bihar Museum, said the museum had consistently provided a platform for cultural activities and was working to preserve and promote Indian classical art forms.“Monsoon ragas capture many moods of the rainy season, from longing and romance to joy and melancholy. Their expressive melodies reflect the emotional intensity of the rains, creating a deep and lasting connection with listeners,” he said.The concert transformed the museum into a cultural space where music and classical traditions converged to mark the monsoon season.
