Nagpur: In a heart-warming ceremony, 95-year-old harmonium exponent Vasanti Bhilwadikar, fondly known as Mavshi Bhilwadikar, was felicitated for her lifelong contribution to the Naradiya Kirtan tradition of Vidarbha. The event, held as part of the 42nd Foundation Day celebrations of Vaidarbhiya Hari Kirtan Sanstha, brought tears of joy and gratitude to the eyes of veteran kirtankars and kirtan lovers alike.For over six decades, Mavshi was the silent but unwavering force behind countless performances, offering harmonium accompaniment to almost every renowned kirtankar in Nagpur and across Vidarbha. Her musical devotion and humble presence made her a motherly figure in the city’s devotional art circle.The Sanstha honoured her at Pratap Nagar’s Durga Devi Mandir on the concluding day of Kirtan Mahotsav.Veteran kirtankar Mohan Buwa Kuber recalled her invaluable support. “She never craved the spotlight but was the backbone of our performances. Her harmonium spoke with devotion, and her presence gave us courage,” he said.“She is more than an accompanist — she is our mother in music. Her love, discipline, and quiet strength shaped us all,” said Sandhya Dabir, her voice trembling with emotion as she reflected on Mavshi’s legacy.Mavshi recalled the old days and also blessed the present generation to take this art forward on the national and international stage.Over the years, Mavshi’s harmonium echoed through temples, community halls, and spiritual gatherings, becoming an inseparable part of Vidarbha’s kirtan culture.The ongoing mahotsav, which witnessed performances from celebrated kirtankars throughout the week, was elevated by this poignant tribute — reminding everyone that while the voice may be in front, the soul of bhakti often lies behind the keys. The seven-day kirtan mahotsav concluded on July 20 with a kirtan by Mohan Buwa Kuber.Nagpur: In a heart-warming ceremony, 95-year-old harmonium exponent Vasanti Bhilwadikar, fondly known as Mavshi Bhilwadikar, was felicitated for her lifelong contribution to the Naradiya Kirtan tradition of Vidarbha. The event, held as part of the 42nd Foundation Day celebrations of Vaidarbhiya Hari Kirtan Sanstha, brought tears of joy and gratitude to the eyes of veteran kirtankars and kirtan lovers alike.For over six decades, Mavshi was the silent but unwavering force behind countless performances, offering harmonium accompaniment to almost every renowned kirtankar in Nagpur and across Vidarbha. Her musical devotion and humble presence made her a motherly figure in the city’s devotional art circle.The Sanstha honoured her at Pratap Nagar’s Durga Devi Mandir on the concluding day of Kirtan Mahotsav.Veteran kirtankar Mohan Buwa Kuber recalled her invaluable support. “She never craved the spotlight but was the backbone of our performances. Her harmonium spoke with devotion, and her presence gave us courage,” he said.“She is more than an accompanist — she is our mother in music. Her love, discipline, and quiet strength shaped us all,” said Sandhya Dabir, her voice trembling with emotion as she reflected on Mavshi’s legacy.Mavshi recalled the old days and also blessed the present generation to take this art forward on the national and international stage.Over the years, Mavshi’s harmonium echoed through temples, community halls, and spiritual gatherings, becoming an inseparable part of Vidarbha’s kirtan culture.The ongoing mahotsav, which witnessed performances from celebrated kirtankars throughout the week, was elevated by this poignant tribute — reminding everyone that while the voice may be in front, the soul of bhakti often lies behind the keys. The seven-day kirtan mahotsav concluded on July 20 with a kirtan by Mohan Buwa Kuber.
