Jugalbandi of Sufi poems and Padavali on 25th February at Sangeet Shymla, Vasant Vihar at 6:30 pm.
In collaboration with Sangeet Shyamala, New Delhi, and Art Alinda, Kolkata presents Prem Bhakti, a Jugalbandi of Sufi Poem by Naila Azad, Bangladesh, and Padavali by Debalina Ghosh on Saturday, 25th February at Sangeet Shyamla, 6:30 pm onwards.
Love, like music, has a universal language. ‘Womanity: through the language of love’ is one such project that bridges the gap between languages, borders, religious beliefs, and gender. According to the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the relationship between God and Devotee is analogous to that of true lovers.
Bharat’s Natyashastra (circa 2nd century BC- 2nd century AD ‘Asta-nayika’) defines ‘Nayak’ (hero) and ‘Nayika’ (villain) (heroine). Krishna and Radha are referred to as ‘Nayak’ and ‘Nayika’ in the Radha-Krishna lila (story). ‘Ashta-nayika’ is Radha’s eighth major mood,’ expressing her love and devotion for Krishna. Similarly, ‘The 7 stages of love’ can be found in Sufism. These steps describe each mode of love and devotion that exists between true lovers of God and Devotees.
Both ‘Asta-Nayika’ and ‘the 7 stages of love’ were conceived during the medieval period, but in such disparate locations that there is no direct link between them. These two schools of thought demonstrate similar step-by-step expressions of love. Both ideas contend that love is the most beautiful and ultimate way to communicate with the Almighty.
The ‘Womanity: Through the Language of Love’ project will combine these two philosophies with Bengali Padavali kirtan, Joydev’s ‘Geet Govindam,’ Rabindranath Tagore’s Bhanusingher Padavali, and Sufi shayaries by eminent shayars such as Hafiz, Rumi, Amir Khasru, Kabir, Ghalib, and others. This program will both enrich the audience’s thinking and carry on the tradition.
