"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music." This homily from the late psychedelic rock star Jimi Hendrix resonated on the 32nd World Music Day Saturday.
World Music Day, also known as 'Fete de la Musique', is celebrated thoughout the world every year June 21. It originated in 1982 in France.
The idea of an all-day musical celebration on the day of the summer solstice, was conceived by American musician Joel Cohen. It was later adapted as a national celebration in France. The idea was embraced and made official by the French ministry of culture in 1982.
The festival soon gained widespread recognition as music is a medium that connects people of all cultures.
In 2013, World Music Day was celebrated in 108 countries and 726 cities.
The day is also celebrated with a lot of pomp and show in India. Restaurants and pubs around the national capital New Delhi celebrated music Saturday.
At The Hard Rock Cafe at Saket's DLF Place, to salute some of the most legendary rockers of all time, DJ Robbie planned to spin tracks by bands like Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, The Doors and Metallica in keeping with its outlets around the world.
World Music Day celebrations will also take place in Delhi's popular hangout joint Hauz Khas Village. Cafes like Matchbox, Roost and Kunzum are some that will mark this occasion.
"Kunzum is organising 'The World Music Day Ultimate Jam' in association with online shopping portal Jabong.com. The event be held from 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.," Kunzum General Manager Apurbo Banerjee told IANS.
"This is the first time we are celebrating World Music Day as an effort to bring people close to each other through the medium of music," he said.
Gurgaon is also marking event in The Joint - An Addiction in DLF Phase 4 with a hard rock band from Delhi called 'Aanch' playing live at the venue.
"We play in The Joint - An Addiction tonight and tomorrow we participate in a music competition held to celebrate the World Music Day. Our band Aanch is a group of six people and we all come from different backgrounds," Aanch manager Ishan Akhtar told IANS.
"Our band comprises architects and engineers and only the lead vocalist is a musician by profession. Music for us is a connection. Whenever we get the time for an open session, it is our way to reconnect with nature through music."
Neel Adhikari, singer-songwriter for Kolkata-based bands Neel and the Lightbulbs and Gandu Circus, feels very special about this day as it connects both music and love for him.
"World Music Day was started by the French. June 21 will always be a special day not only because of the music but this is the day my wife first came to Kolkata," Neel said.
"Since she is also French, I helped her organise music day events in the city. I celebrate this day every year by performing in events and gigs and open-mic sessions," he said.
According to Shankar Sharma, vocalist for Delhi-based band Matchstyx, "music to me is very personal and powerful".
"Its stimulates my mind and makes me feel all those emotions that make us human. I think in today's world, music is the only medium which can lift people up from their robotic lives and ask them to live life again," Sharma said.
(Karishma Saurabh Kalita can be contacted at karishma.k@ians.in)
