Triveni festival 2025: Kaushiki Chakraborty mesmerizes Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: The Triveni festival transformed Ravindra Bharati into a sanctuary of soulful Hindustani classical music, all in support of a noble cause. Surmandal, the cultural society behind the event, set the stage for an unforgettable evening as acclaimed vocalist Vidushi Kaushiki Chakraborty captivated a full house with her mesmerizing performance.
The evening began with dignitaries lighting the ceremonial lamp, including High Court Judge Vijaysen Reddy, Industries Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Deputy Commandant Major General Puneet Kapoor, and Canara Bank’s Kalyan Mukharjee. Now in its 57th year, Surmandal, founded in 1969 by Mohan Hemmadi under the guidance of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, has been instrumental in establishing Hyderabad as a prominent hub for Indian classical music.
In addition to that, the Triveni festival in Hyderabad itself is conceptualized as a tribute to India’s classical legacy, honouring maestros such as Ravi Shankar, Bhimsen Joshi, and M.S. Subbulakshmi, as well as the lifelong contributions of Mohan Hemmadi and his wife Anuradha Hemmadi.
Kaushiki Chakraborty enthralls audience
Owing to the honour, Vidushi Kaushiki Chakraborty, a leading artist of the Patiala gharana, began her recital with the challenging Raag Shree, moving through thoughtful alaaps and lively rhythmic improvisations. Kaushiki Chakraborty then performed Raag Durga and devotional pieces, ending with the popular thumri “Yaad piya ki aaye,” which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Accompanied by Murad Ali on sarangi, Yashwant Vaishnav on tabla, and Tanmay Deochake on harmonium, the performance was technically profound and emotionally resonant.
Moreover, a unique feature of the evening was a live painting created by artist Sachin Jaltare, inspired by the music. The artwork was later donated to Sparsh Hospice, a palliative care centre for terminally ill cancer patients supported by the Rotary Club of Banjara Hills. For Mohan Hemmadi, supporting Sparsh Hospice is a deeply personal cause. He emphasized the role of classical music in providing solace and healing.
On the whole, the event which brought together senior officials, artists, and music lovers supported Surmandal’s vision of combining sangeet (music), seva (service), and samhita (scripture) into one cultural experience. Triveni Season 3 celebrated artistic talent and showed how music can help serve the community, making a strong mark on Hyderabad’s cultural scene.
