Famed artists enthral audience on day 5 of Sankat Mochan Festival in Kashi

Varanasi: The music enthusiasts at the Sankat Mochan Music Festival witnessed the presence of several accomplished artists from across the country, creating a unique atmosphere at the Sankat Mochan temple on Sunday night.The first performance began with a vocal recital by Rishi Mishra from Prayagraj. He performed two compositions in Raag Shuddh Kalyan, concluding with a devotional song. He was accompanied by Anshul Pratap Singh on tabla, Mohit Sahni on harmonium and Vinayak Sahay on sarangi.The second performance featured Kathak dance by Nayanika Ghosh from Delhi. She started with a depiction of the Sita-Hanuman dialogue, followed by a traditional Kathak style and concluded with a dance on a thumri. She was accompanied by Ustad Akram Khan on tabla, Mahavir Gangani on pakhawaj, Samiullah Khan on pakhawaj, Rais Khan on sitar and Mayukh Bhattacharya on vocal support.The third performance was presented by Abhishek Lahiri from Kolkata, who mesmerised the audience with his sarod recital. He played Raag Jhinjhoti and concluded with compositions in Teentaal. Renowned tabla player Pt Sanju Sahai accompanied him.He was followed by Armaan Khan, son of Ustad Rashid Khan, who reminded the audience of his father's style with his singing. He performed Raag Gorakh Kalyan and Sohini and concluded with a dadra in Rangdari Gulabi. He was accompanied by Surjeet Singh on tabla, Lalit Sisodia on harmonium and Vinayak Sahay on sarangi.In the fifth performance, the temple courtyard resonated with the sound of the santoor played by the renowned musician Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya from Kolkata. He performed Raag Charukeshi and concluded with compositions in Jhaptal and Teentaal. He was accompanied by Mayukh Bhowmick on tabla.The sixth performance featured the famous vocalist Pt Jayateerth Mevundi from Hubli, who captivated the audience with his singing. He performed two compositions in Raag Lalit and concluded with a thumri in Raag Jogiya. He was accompanied by Pt Ramkumar Mishra on tabla and Vinay Mishra on harmonium.The seventh performance was by the renowned sitar player Sahana Banerjee from Pune, who infused new energy into the audience with her sitar recital. She performed Raag Bhatiyar and concluded with compositions in Teentaal. Ustad Akram Khan accompanied her on tabla. The eighth and final performance of the fifth night concluded with an independent tabla recital by Pt Sanju Sahai. He showcased the features of the Banaras style in Teentaal. The audience was enthralled throughout his performance. Pt Dharmanath Mishra accompanied him on harmonium.