MP CM Inaugurates Historic 100th Tansen Festival

 

1. The 100th edition of the International Tansen Music Festival, a historic celebration of India's rich classical music heritage, began on 15th December 2024.
2. The event took place at the Tansen Tomb in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
3. The festival marks a century-long journey of honoring the legacy of one of India's most celebrated musicians, Miyan Tansen.

 

Key Highlights of the Event:

1. Guinness World Record Achievement:
   1. A monumental performance by 546 artists took place at Gwalior Fort, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest ensemble performance.
   2. This record-breaking performance featured 9 classical Indian instruments, including violin, harmonium, sarangi, flute, sarod, santoor, shehnai, pakhawaj, and tabla.
2. Inaugural Address by the Chief Minister:
   1. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh praised the festival as a tribute to India's cultural heritage and the musical genius of Tansen.
   2. He also acknowledged the participation of prominent Indian classical musicians and international artists from four countries who had gathered to honor Tansen’s contribution to Indian classical music.
   3. The Chief Minister emphasized that the 100th edition was a symbolic tribute to Gwalior’s rich musical tradition, and India's deep cultural connection with nature and spirituality.
   4. He also highlighted how Indian classical music, with its roots in nature and emotion, remains timeless and universal.
3. Performance and Musical Tribute:
   1. The highlight of the opening ceremony was a grand ensemble performance orchestrated by renowned flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar.
   2. The performance featured renditions of three iconic ragas—Malhar, Miya Ki Todi, and Darbari Kanada, compositions that were originally created by Tansen himself.
   3. The Chief Minister described the festival as a "celebration of the soul of India," aiming to preserve and promote the legacy of classical music for future generations.
4. Commemorative Initiatives:
   1. As part of the celebrations, the Indian Postal Service released a commemorative Rs 5 postage stamp, marking the 100th edition of the Tansen Samaroh.
   2. A book and a souvenir documenting the festival’s 100-year journey were also unveiled, reflecting on the event’s historical significance.
5. Cultural Significance:
   1. The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his respect towards artists, citing his tribute to Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar as an inspiring example.
   2. The festival also marked a tribute to India's spiritual and natural connection to music, drawing attention to how Indian classical music instruments, like the Damru (associated with Lord Shiva) and the flute (symbolic of divine bliss and associated with Lord Krishna), have deep symbolic significance.

The Legacy of the Tansen Samaroh:

1. Miyan Tansen, one of the nine jewels of Emperor Akbar's court, is considered one of the greatest musicians in Indian history. Born in Gwalior, his compositions and innovations in Hindustani classical music have influenced generations of musicians.
2. The festival, held annually near Tansen's Samadhi (tomb) in Gwalior, is a homage to his musical genius and contribution to the development of Indian classical music.
3. This year, the festival’s 100th edition is not only a celebration of Tansen’s legacy but also an opportunity to envision the future of classical music.
4. The event aims to inspire new generations and keep the classical tradition alive by connecting the rich past with the evolving future of music.

Tansen Samaroh and Gwalior’s Role in Classical Music:

1. Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the Heartland of Classical Music, has played a pivotal role in nurturing India’s musical heritage.
2. The region is home to various classical music gharanas (traditions), including the Gwalior Gharana, known for its excellence in khayal singing, and the Maihar Gharana, made famous by Ustad Allauddin Khan.
3. The Tansen Samaroh is not just a celebration of music but also a cultural festival that unites music lovers and artists from around the world.
4. This year’s centenary edition promises to be an even grander affair, with special tributes, performances, and cultural activities planned in several cities across India.

Gwalior as a UNESCO Creative City of Music:

1. In 2023, Gwalior was officially designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, a recognition of its long-standing association with classical music. The city, home to landmarks such as the Gwalior Fort and Sas Bahu Temples, continues to inspire musicians, scholars, and artists from around the world.
2. The 100th Tansen Samaroh further solidifies Gwalior’s place on the global map as a cultural hub, showcasing the city’s enduring legacy and its significance in the world of music.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange:

1. The Tansen Samaroh attracts music enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe. Visitors to Gwalior can explore its rich cultural and historical landmarks while immersing themselves in the beauty of classical music.
2. The festival also promote cultural exchange, with performances by artists from over 20 countries at Indian embassies worldwide and a movie screening on Tansen's life scheduled for Bhopal.
3. With a combination of music, history, culture, and local cuisine, the 100th edition of the Tansen Samaroh offers a unique opportunity for people to connect with India's musical soul and witness the cultural grandeur of Gwalior.

Conclusion:

The 100th Tansen Music Festival is a monumental event not only for Gwalior and Madhya Pradesh but for the entire nation. It celebrates India's rich musical tradition, honors the legacy of Tansen, and serves as a bridge between past and future generations of classical music lovers.

 

 

 

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