Hindustani classical tradition lovers turned up to listen to the renditions of Thumri from veteran as well as young exponents at Kamani Auditorium from Aug 7-9.
The annual Thumri Festival, presented by Delhi Government's Department of Art, Culture and Languages and Sahitya Kala Parishad brought together the maestros of this art form with some outstanding young talent.
Enthralling a packed audience of classical music lovers on the second evening of the festival was veteran exponent of Hindustani classical music Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan. A Padma Shri, Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan specialises in Khayal and Thumri gayaki and the veteran regaled the audience with his renditions.
For the fitting finale when Girja Devi, the 84-year-old maestro of Thumri who has made immense contribution to the profile of this art form over several decades, was invited to take the stage.
"Thumri is one of the most loved genres of Indian music which has a wide appeal. It is not only valued by an audience discerning enough to appreciate Hindustani classical music, but also appeals to the audience who might not be as well-versed in pure classical music. Despite much talk in recent years about the diminishing followers of the classical tradition, Thumri has always had its loyal audience," says Girija Devi.
"Thumri is often an expression of the love for Lord Krishna and with time a number of lighter forms have emerged from its folds like Dadra, Chaiti, Hori, Kajari, Saavan and Jhoola. It is heartening to see young and fresh blood taking up the art form with zest," said Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan.