Pratima Achrekar
August is considered a holy month for
Hindus as it usually coincides with the auspicious month of Shravan as per the
Hindu calendar. This period sees many immersing themselves in ‘bhajan’, ‘aarti’
and ‘bhakti sangeet’ (devotional music). Coinciding with this, the Kala
Academy, Panjim, also hosts ‘bhajan’ competitions.
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Speaking about the ‘bhajan’ tradition of
Goa, Dr D L Amonkar, programme and development officer, says, “Goa has a
tradition of ‘bhajan’ singing. However, Pandit Manoharbuva Shirgaonkar is considered
to be the trendsetter of ‘bhajan’ in the state. Earlier, ‘bhajans’ were recited
in villages, especially at temples, all over the state. ‘Bhajans’ were sung for
eternal satisfaction; there were no set ragas or any specific classical rule.
Manoharbuva Shirgaonkar is credited for codifying the whole ‘bhajan’ set up. He
created the system for ‘bhajan’ singing. A proper pattern was then formed,
which was later recognised as Goan ‘bhajan’ tradition. This tradition was set
by Manoharbuva many years ago but it was only after his demise that, in order
to carry forward the tradition, the then chairman of Kala Academy, Pratapsingh
Rane, took the decision to start a ‘bhajan’ competition in memory of
Manoharbuva.”
Commenting on the ‘bhajan’ competitions
that Kala Academy organises, he adds, “We have been hosting the competition for
the last 35 years. Initially, when we started, we had only men participating,
but gradually, women and kids also started joining the troupes. From the year
2000, we started with a separate group for women. Only the percussionist and
harmonium player were men, as in those days, it was uncommon for women to
practice these instruments. Then in the year 2001, the children bhajan
competition also began. Now, as per rule, each group should have a minimum of
10 and maximum of 16 artistes.”
India has a tradition of ‘bhakti sangeet’
(devotional music). There are nine forms of ‘bhakti’, one of which is ‘bhajan’.
Every state has its own tradition of ‘bhakti sangeet’ and ‘bhajan’. It is
believed that one can spiritually connect with God through ‘bhakti sangeet’.
Explaining the benefits of being a part of these competitions, Amonkar says,
“Besides connecting with God, it also allows one to divert their mind from bad
habits. The younger generation’s involvement in activities like ‘bhajans’ helps
in distancing them from drugs, drinking, etc. It sharpens one’s mind and lets
good thoughts flow spontaneously. It also helps them to be happy.”
This year, the Kala Academy had a
participation of 128 women only groups, 91 men only groups and 24 children
groups, of which, the shortlisted groups will perform on three different days
for finals. On August 2, 2015, the All Goa Children Bhajan Competition will be
held. August 9 will see the All Goa Women Bhajan Competition and on August 15
will be the All Goa Men Bhajan Competition. All competitions will be held at
Kala Academy, Campal-Panjim at 3:30 pm on each day.
Regarding training for ‘bhajan’
participants, Amonkar explains, “We do hold workshops prior to the competitions,
in the month of June, in seven to eight centres. We depute our trained staff to
teach them the nuances of ‘bhajan’ for which any age group can participate.
Generally, these ‘bhajan’ groups have their own gurus so the need for music
teachers never arises.”
