New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) More than 1,000 people came together at Shah Auditorium for a bhajan-jamming session that sought to move beyond the traditional performer-audience format and encourage collective singing, participation and introspection.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also joined the session and performed alongside the organisers.
Curated by Anshu Goyal, founder of Kashi with Anshu, the event, titled ‘ANTARA’, blended traditional devotional compositions with live band instrumentation, including deep basslines, electric guitars and percussion.
Speaking at the event, Tiwari said people generally understand their material and external needs but often do not pause to reflect on what their “mann” (mind) needs.
Through Kashi with Anshu, Goyal is creating a space that encourages people to look within and understand what brings them peace and happiness, he said.
The session began with Ganesh Vandana and Vedic chants, followed by devotional compositions centred on Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. Bhajans were presented with contemporary musical arrangements, prompting the audience to sing along, sway and dance.
The organisers said the initiative seeks to create a space where people can temporarily step away from the noise of everyday life, participate without inhibition and reconnect with themselves through music.
The event brought together people across age groups, with the organisers describing the format as an attempt to make devotional music a collective and participative experience rather than a conventional stage performance.
Goyal said ANTARA was based on the idea of moving away from seeking happiness and validation externally and creating opportunities for people to connect with themselves.
“When you begin to connect with and love yourself, you naturally have more joy and love to share with the people around you,” Goyal added.
The organisers said the experience is an extension of the philosophy behind Kashi with Anshu, an experiential platform through which Goyal curates immersions and experiences inspired by her connection with Varanasi. PTI AHD AHD MDO MDO
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