The famous Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is celebrated every year at the Tansen Tomb in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Tansen Samaroh is a platform where artists from all over India, gather and participate to deliver vocal and instrumental performances. The complete environment during the festival turns mystical with melodious music echoing. Music lovers from far and wide make it a point to be a part of this.
Tansen Samaroh is a prestigious music festival held annually in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is organized in honor of the legendary musician Tansen, one of the nine jewels (Navratnas) of Emperor Akbar's court. This festival, also known as the Tansen Music Festival, showcases the rich heritage of Indian classical music and brings together renowned artists from across the country.
Key details about Tansen Samaroh:
- Venue: The festival takes place at Tansen’s tomb in Gwalior, a fitting tribute to his memory and contribution to Indian music.
- Duration: It usually spans four to five days in December.
- Performances: The event features performances by eminent classical musicians and singers, including vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers, from both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions.
- Cultural Significance: It not only celebrates Tansen's legacy but also serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Indian classical music.
- Awards: During the festival, the prestigious Tansen Samman award is conferred on an outstanding musician for their contribution to classical music.
Till date this festival has the honor of being the first and only musical sow that goes for days and nights.
The academy offers honors to senior celebrities and junior artists by including them in the Samaroh through their musical performances.
The passage of time has only glorified the status of this annual historic event. At present renowned artists from all over the country come here to perform and exhibit their excellence in turn mesmerizing the audience. The venue Gwalior, so chosen has retained Indian traditions and the wealth of music intact over the years. The famous Gwalior Gharana of music is inspired by the Tansen style of Music.
The event which is a musical extravaganza called Tansen Samaroh is an audio as well as visual treat, seeing the exemplary and renowned music expertise in artists all over India dedicating their bit of honor to the greatest ever musical mentor Tansen.
Tansen
Tansen, a legendary exponent of the Hindustani classical music s dhrupad style, and member of emperor Akbar s Mughal court, was counted amongst one of the nine jewels of the royal court.
The celebration of Tansen Samaroh is a grand and revered event in Indian classical music, held annually to commemorate the legendary musician Tansen. The festival honors his contributions and legacy, attracting music lovers, scholars, and artists from across the country. Here’s how the celebration unfolds:
1. Venue:
The festival is held at Tansen’s tomb in Behat, near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The serene and historic location adds a special charm to the performances, with the monument serving as a backdrop to the celebration of his life and work.
2. Classical Music Performances:
-
The central attraction of the Tansen Samaroh is the series of live performances by some of the most renowned classical musicians and singers in India. The festival brings together artists from different genres of Indian classical music, including vocal and instrumental performances in the Hindustani classical tradition.
-
Artists perform ragas that are traditionally associated with Tansen, creating a spiritual and immersive experience for the audience. Both established maestros and emerging talents share the stage, offering a rich variety of music.
3. Diverse Art Forms:
-
While the focus remains on music, the festival also includes performances of classical dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam, enriching the cultural experience of the audience.
-
The blending of different classical art forms creates a holistic celebration of Indian culture.
4. Tansen Samman Award:
-
One of the highlights of the festival is the conferring of the Tansen Samman award, an esteemed recognition given to an outstanding musician for their contribution to Indian classical music. This award is seen as a prestigious honor in the music community.
5. Musical Congregation:
-
The festival fosters a sense of community among musicians and music lovers. It is a place where artists meet, share ideas, and celebrate their love for classical music. This atmosphere of learning and appreciation is integral to the festival's spirit.
6. Historical and Cultural Immersion:
-
Visitors to Tansen Samaroh are not just treated to music but also get to experience the history and culture of Gwalior, a city known for its rich musical heritage. The festival often includes lectures, workshops, and discussions on Tansen’s contributions and the evolution of Indian classical music.
7. Timeless Traditions:
-
The Tansen Samaroh continues to uphold the traditions of classical music that Tansen himself helped to shape. The festival's emphasis on maintaining the purity of classical forms, while also embracing new interpretations, ensures that Tansen’s legacy is both preserved and evolved for future generations.
The Tansen Samaroh is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of the timeless traditions of Indian classical music and a tribute to one of its greatest exponents. The spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the event makes it a significant occasion for both artists and audiences alike.