Divine Chords festival concludes with a dazzling performance by 'Stree Shakti Band' in Jaipur

The four-day music festival ‘Divine Chords’ concluded on Wednesday with a dazzling musical performance by the all-female ensemble ‘

Stree Shakti Band

’ from Mumbai at

Jawahar Kala Kendra

in Jaipur. The band, formed by tabla virtuoso, Anuradha Pal presented a unique combination of Hindustani, Carnatic Classical and Rajasthani folk music along with a special ‘Taal Vadya Kachehri’.

The performance began with a rhythmic invocation to Lord Ganesha, recited in poetry and tabla bols by Anuradha. This was followed by the popular bhajan ‘Jhalar Sankh Nagada Baje’ in raga Durga which was fused with the Carnatic composition ‘Shru Guruguha’ in raga Suddha Saveri. The band went on to perform the classic Rajasthani folk song, ‘Padharo Mhare Desh’; the song was melodiously fused with the popular Krishna bhajan ‘Krishna Nee Begane Baro’ in raag Yaman.


As a special highlight of the show, Anuradha then presented a tabla jugalbandi with herself. It was a unique rhythmic conversation between her traditional and contemporary styles. In a feat of extreme dexterity, she performed this on two tablas alternating between raga Shankara and raga Durga, highlighting the ‘Ardhanarishvara’ concept.

Furthermore, the band performed the popular Rajasthani song ‘Anjan ki Seeti’ which was followed by ‘Ghoomar’ fused with the Carnatic composition ‘Yenna Tavam’ in raga Kapi. The performance witnessed a grand conclusion that featured a confluence of Rajasthani Folk, Hindustani and Carnatic Classical music and rhythm.