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Home , Baiju Bawra, Gharana, Madras Music Season, Music of India, Saptak, Tappa

Paper 11: Special Interest Tourism

Module 22: Musical Festivals and Events Historical Development of Tourism and Hospitality in the World

THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Paper Coordinator Prof. Deepak Raj Gupta School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (SHTM), Jammu University

Content Writer Rahul Thakur Asst. Professor, Central University of Jammu, Jammu

Content Reviewer Prof. Pariskhit Manas Director , School Of Hospitality & Tourism Management Jammu University, Jammu

ITEMS DESCRIPTION OF MODULE Subject Name Tourism and Hospitality Paper Name Special Interest Tourism Module Title Musical Festival and Events

Module Id 22 Pre- Requisites Basic knowledge about and Events Objectives To understand the meaning and definition of music And events, elements and various styles of Indian music. Keywords Music, Festivals, Events

TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Learning Outcome 2. Introduction 3. Music in 4. Division of Indian 4.1 Hindustani Classical Music 4.2 4.3 Modern Indian Music 4.4 5. Musical festivals and events in India 5.1 Popular Festivals 5.2 Popular Musical Festivals for Tourists in India 6. References

QUADRANT-I 1. Learning Outcome Post completion of this module student shall be able to: i. Define Music. ii. Understand various elements of Indian music. iii. Understand different styles of Indian music. iv. Map various musical festivals and events in India.

Musical Festivals and Events

2. Introduction an ancient land which is rich in its cultural heritage. Since time immemorial , music and drama have been an essential part of Indian culture. These art forms have also been used as means of spreading religion and social reforms in which music and dance were integrated to gain popularity among the masses. From the Vedic era, have also been a source of education to the masses as well. The laid down exact rules for the chanting of the Vedic hymns. Now these art forms have become the means of entertainment all over the world. The journey and evolution of Indian music from the Vedas till date has been long and worth reading and learning. From shruti, (: “What Is Heard”) considered to have been heard and sent by earthly sages, as contrasted to , or that which is remembered by ordinary human beings to melodies and a system of musical notions called the “Raags”.

Age old Sanskrit text has defined music as a combination of – “, Vaadyam, Nrityam, Trayam, Sangeet, and Muchyate”. I.e. music is composed of three basic parts – “The Vocal, The Instrumental and The Dance”. Although all these three forms of fine arts have evolved separately but they are very closely interlinked, one cannot evolve and sustain in isolation. Sound is the common thread that binds all three together thus music comprises of all three elements - “The Vocal, The Instrumental and The Dance”.

3. Music in India

The earliest roots of Indian music may be traced to Sama Veda that contains the slokas that were converted to music. Chanting of Vedic hymns in a prescribed pitch and accent is strictly followed till date in all religious rituals. “Bharata’s Natyashashtra”, compiled somewhere around 2nd century BC is considered as the oldest text that talks about performing arts and has six chapters on music. Matanga’s “Brihaddesi” is another important ancient Indian text compiled between 8th and 9th century AD. It was the first text which various “” were named and discussed. Another important text is “Sangeet Ratnakara” written by Sarangdeva in the 13th century AD has a mention of 264 ragas. As time passed variety of string and wind instruments were invented and evolved over the period of time. There have been numerous references of “flutes, drums, , and cymbals” in the ancient texts. Rulers such as Samudra Gupta, King Bhoja of Dhara and King Someshavra of Kalyana were great music lovers and patronised music in a big way. Samudra Gupta was an accomplished . In some of his coins, he is depicted as playing on the Veena. Music in India is also associated with the worship of Gods and Goddess in the temples. In the 12th century, an epic “Gita Govinda” was composed by of Orissa one of the most sparkling kavya of all times, depicting the eternal love of Radha and Krishna.

Down south, Tamil music has a number of terms and concepts which run parallel to Sanskrit texts. The Saivite Nayanars and Vaishnavite Alvars too set their poems and hymns to music. During the medieval period the Sufi and Bhakti saints popularised “Sufi and Bhakti music”. Which later evolved as “” sung in Sufi khanqahs and “ and ” sung by the Bhakti saints. Kabir, Mirabai, Surdasa, Chandidasa, Tulsidasa, Vidyapati are few legendry names that are closely associated with such types of . Scholars like contributed have also contributed immensely to the promotion of such music in the subcontinent. Kitabe Navras written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II during the 7th century is a collection of in praise of Hindu deities as well as Muslim saints. the singing gem of Akbar’s court is still remembered for his superhuman quality in singing. Baiju Bawra was another well known

musician during Akbar’s time. The patronage given to these artists by the ancient and medieval rulers have been instrumental in keeping the traditions alive. The role of Mughal kings in patronising the Hindustani music cannot be undermined. As per Lanepoole- “Babar himself was fond of music. He is supposed to have developed some very popular musical style forms like Qawalis, Khayal, etc”. Humayun love towards Indian texts and music is also well known. Akbar himself was a good musician and composed many songs and encouraged . and his disciples composed many songs in different tunes. Pundarika Vittal was a great scholar of music who wrote the famous Ragamala. Hindustani Music was also enriched by devotional songs sung by Mira Bai, Tulsidas and Surdas.

4. Broad Division of Indian Classical Music

The Indian classical music as a whole can further be subdivide broadly into two traditions – “The Hindustani classical music” prevalent in and “The Carnatic music” prevalent in .

4.1 The Hindustani Classical Music

The evolution of Hindustani classical music dates back to the period of the Sultanate and Amir Khusrau way back in 1253-1325 AD, who encouraged the practice of musical performance with particular instruments. He is believed to have invented the and the and also created many ragas. Manye Hindustani musicians trace their descent to Tansen as well. Some of the famous styles of Hindustani music include , Dhamar, , Khayal and . Tansen’s was one of the greatest musicians of all times; he could perform superhuman acts with his music such as he could cause rain by singing “The Raga”. Some of Akbar’s courtiers patronised Musicians like Baiju Bawra, Surdas etc. The most popular ragas during those times were - , , , Bhim Palasi, Darbari, , Hamsadhwani, Jai Jayanti, Megha , , , , Shyam , and Khambaj. India also has a rich heritage of musical instruments such as - sitar, , and .

Pakhawaj, Tabla and are percussion or tal giving instruments. Flute, and are some of the chief wind instruments. The peculiar style of music and musicians of Hindustani classical music are usually associated to various ’s. Gharana’s refer to hereditary linkages of musicians which represent the core of the style which distinguish them from one another. The gharana’s function through the age old “Gurushi Shya Parampara”, that is, disciples learning under a particular guru, transmitting his musical knowledge and style, will belong to the same gharana. Few examples of famous gharana’s are gharana, , and Jaipur gharana. Devotional music like kirtan, bhajan, ragas contained in the Adi Grantha and singing in the Majlis during Muharram also deserve a special place in Indian music. Along with this, also has a very rich cultural heritage and linkages.

4.2 Carnatic Music

The credit of growth and evolution of the Carnatic music may be attributed collectively to three namely “Shyam Shastri, Thyagaraja and Mutthuswami Dikshitar”. “Purandardasa” was another great of Carnatic music. Thyagaraja is a legendary figure revered both as a saint and an artist who epitomises the essence of Carnatic music. His main compositions are known as and are devotional in nature. The three great musicians experimented with new forms. Some notable Carnatic musicians include - Maha Vaidyanath Ayyar, Patnam Subrahmanya Ayyar and Ramnad Srinivasa lyengar. Instruments that accompany Carnatic music are flute, veena, nadaswaram, mridangam, . Despite many differentiating features between Hindustani and Carnatic music, one can also find many similarities, for example, the Carnatic alapana is similar to alap in Hindustani classical. Tilana in Carnatic resembles of Hindustani. Both lay stress on tala or talam.

4.3 Modern Indian Music Western music was alien to India until the British rulers came to India, and as per the needs and demand of the Indian music, Indians adopted some of their instruments such as and clarinet. Orchestration of music on stage was a new development which the

western musicians brought with them. Use of cassettes replaced oral transmission of tunes and ragas. Performances which were earlier limited to a privileged few have now been thrown open to the public and can be viewed by masses. The guru-shishya parampara of imparting the knowledge of music started slowly started to become the past now the knowledge of music was imparted through institutions teaching music.

4.4 Folk Music

Apart from Indian classical and the western music, India has a rich heritage of folk or as well. This music depicts the emotions, stories and happenings in the lives of the masses. The songs are very simple and composed to mark various events in life of the common people. These may be festivals, arrival of a new seasons, marriage or birth of a child etc. Mand of , of Bengal, and Ragini of are popular folk songs all over India. These folk songs have their own special meanings or messages. Often describing historical events and important rituals. ’s Gulraj is folklore and Pandyani of is a narrative put to music. Muslims sing Sojkhwani, mournful songs during Muharram. Christmas carols and choral music are sung in groups on the festive occasions of Christians.

5. Musical festivals and events in India

5.1 Popular Indian Classical Music Festivals

1. The Music Festival

A public charitable trust which runs Saptak School of Music organises Saptak Music Festival every year in the first week of January in Ahmadabad, Gujarat. A classical music festival that goes on for 13 days and is attended by thousands of people from around the world.

2. The

Every year in the month of December–January hosts the Madras Music Season in . People gather in large numbers to listen to Carnatic music. Music Season was first created in the 1927 by a group of individuals who later went on to establish the Madras Music Academy. The festival has grown with years and once in 2004-2005 there were 1,200 performances by about 600 artists (about 700 vocal, 250 instrumental, 200 dance, 50 drama and others).

3. The Chembai Music Festival

Organized in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, Chembai Music Festival is held every year in the month of September. The festival is organized to celebrate the birth anniversary of the great Carnatic musician, the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.

4. The Tansen Music Festival

Organised in the city of Gwalior, Tansen Music Festival is celebrated in remembrance of the Indian classical music guru Miyan Tansen, who was one among the nine gems in the court of Emperor Akbar. Tansen Music Festival is organized by the government of Madhya Pradesh and generally falls in the last month of the year.

5. The Dover Lane Music Festival

Dover Lane Music Festival organised in Kolkota in the month of December and January is one of the most recognized music fests in India. Since the past fifty years, the Dover Lane Music Festival has proved to be a huge success with lakhs of people attending the festival.

6. The Sawai Sangeet Mahotsav

Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav was started in 1953 to mark the first death anniversary of . Since then, the festival is celebrated annually in Pune, . The festival goes on in the first two weeks for three days in the month of December. It gives a platform to all the prominent as well as upcoming artists to present their talent under one roof. The festival is one of the most promising places for primary vocalists.

7. The Aradhana Music Festival

Tyagaraja Aradhana Music Festival is a famous Carnatic music festival celebrated in the memory of the great saint as well as musician Sri Thyagaraja. This eight-day long music show is held in the month of January near his on the banks of River. The festival has now grown so much that a huge complex is under construction at to accommodate the large audience that come to the concert.

8. The Swathi Sangeethotsavam

Swathi Sangeethotsavam pays homage to Swati Tirunal by devoting a week-long festival to his compositions. Initially, government of Kerala used to conduct the festival in Kuthiramalika, but later, they decided to conduct the festival in different parts of the state.

9. The Parampara Sangeet

A 3-day event organised by renowned dancers Raja Reddy and Radha Reddy held every year at Ravindra Bharathi auditorium, Hyderabad. Parampara Sangeet is a national festival of music and dance. The 3-day festival has renowned artists performing from Hindustani and Carnatic genres.

10. The Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan

The Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan one of the oldest festivals of Indian classical music in the world celebrated every year at the Samadhi of Harballabh, the legend of Hindustani music. Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan has completed 131 years and even today, it attracts people from all over the country as well as the world. After completing 130 years of success, this festival was declared as a National Festival by the Department of Tourism, .

5.2 Popular Contemporary Musical Festivals for Tourists in India

1. The Hornbill Festival – Kohima

The Hornbill festival is celebrated in Kohima, . This rock music festival is also considered as the biggest cultural tourism fest in India. Apart from celebrating music, Nagaland boosts as one of the richest states in India in terms of its handloom and handicraft goods designed by the exotic Naga tribes along with the plenitude of natural attractions. This seven day cultural and musical fiesta is held amidst the scenic environs of Kohima in December every year.

2. The Magnetic Fields – Alsisar Mahal, Shekhawati in Rajasthan

The Magnetic Fields is an epic three days feast of music, art, food and magic organised in December every year. Living true to its name the Magnetic Fields ropes in hordes of modern acts and crowds to its impressive venue. Set on the back drops of magnificent and royal Alsisar Mahal, Shekhawati, Rajasthan, this festival takes you to the age of Rajputana. Another plus point about this festival and venue is its close proximity to big tourist destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner etc.

3. The Ziro – Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The Ziro festival of music is one of the best outdoor music festivals held every year in the month of September. Organised in Ziro Valley, a stunning World Heritage Site of Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by misty mountains and rich rice fields. This festival is a treat to not only the music lovers but also to those who seek peace and comfort in the rich abundance of flora and fauna of the Ziro valley.

4. The Sunburn Music Festival – Vagator,

The Sunburn festival of dance, music, food and shopping needs no introduction. It celebrates itself as one of the best dance festivals not only in India but across the world. This festival is celebrated in the month of December every year. Apart from offering the best in music and dance this festival is celebrated in Goa which is a hotspot to tourists across the globe, who rush here for its amazing beaches, colonial architecture and adventure sports which make this a memorable festival.

5. The Mahindra Blues –

The Mahindra Blues music festival is a two day festival celebrated in Mumbai in the month of February every year. This music festival celebrates the niche musical genre “Blues” and has also succeeded in bringing in some of the world’s best Blues musicians the blues legend “Buddy Guy”. Another plus point about this festival is its location, Mumbai which is not only the financial hub of India but also has a lot to offer to the tourists like its splendid architecture and colonial history, local food and the .

6. The Storm –

This three night folk, indie and non-mainstream to electronic dance and music festival celebrated in the outskirts of Bangalore, in the month of January every year. What is unique about this festival is that it not only celebrates good music and dance but also

mixes a good blend of outdoor camping and adventure sports making it a very unique and rich experience for the visitors.

7. The Riff

The International Folk Festival, The Jodhpur Riff is celebrated at the Fort, Jodhpur every October. This open stage folk festival brings in some of the most famous folk artists, musicians not only from India but across the globe. This festival gives the audience a chance to witness the best of Rajasthan’s traditional folk , . It is also an amazing opportunity for the audience to explore the blue city in its true grandeur and colour.

8. The Fireflies – Bangalore

Celebrated in the outskirts of Bangalore, this 7 pm to 7 am musical festival is celebrated in an open environment under a banyan tree. Thousands of music lovers throng to this place every year to witness the true rustic and organic essence of some very good artists across India. Another thing unique about the Fireflies is that all the earnings from this event is collected and later donated for the better education of the tribal children of Kabini near Mysore.

9. The Sula Fest – Nasik, Maharashtra

The Sula music fest is a two-day event held in the Sula Vineyards in the ancient city of Nasik. Audience to this fest is wine, fashion and music lovers from across the country especially from Mumbai which is just three hours drive from the venue. This event started as a mark of celebrations of 10 years of a wine company and now it has grown into a much awaited wine, fashion and musical event in this part of the country.

10. The Kasauli and Blues fest – Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

The Kasauli Rhythm and Blues fest is a musical event that celebrates the contemporary music styles such as Funk, Blues, , Rock, Folk Rock, Electro-Rock-Folk and Fusion. This fest is organised in the traveler’s paradise of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh in the month of April. The proceeds from this event go towards helping underprivileged children suffering from severe health problems.

6. References

1. B.C. Deva, Indian Music, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, (1980). 2. B.C. Deva, the : A Scientific Study, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (1981). 3. G.H. Ranade, Hindusthani Music- Its Physics and Aesthetics, Popular Prakashan, (1971). 4. N.R. Rama Rao, Sitar Lessons, Personal Communication (1978-1980). 5. K.P. Shenoy, Flute Lessons, Personal Communication (1978-1980). 6. Vasant, Raag-Kosh [A Dictionary of 1,438 Indian Melodies], Sangeet Karyalaya, Hathras (India) (1970). 7. An Introduction to the Classical Music Of India, Rangaraj M. Rangayyan, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Calgary. 8. http://topyaps.com/indian-classical-music-festivals 9. http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/groovy-music-festivals-in-india-worth-travelling-to/ 10. http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SecICHCour/English/CH.12.pdf