Media Release
Muscat, Sep 24: In a spectacular celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ganeshotsava, a grand Bhajan Sandhya took place on September 20 at the Shri Krishna Temple Hall in Darsait. The event showcased the extraordinary talents of Vidushi Nandinii Rao and her troupe, attracting a diverse audience of bhajan enthusiasts from the Indian diaspora and beyond, including attendees from Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Many devotees journeyed from neighbouring regions such as Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait to join in this joyous occasion.
The evening commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, officiated by His Excellency Shaikh Anil Khimji, alongside prominent figures including, Kiran Asher, Ashwin Dharamshi, SK Poojary, Shashidhar Shetty Mallar, Diwakar Shetty Mallar, and other esteemed guests. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event, as representatives from various Indian communities and notable business leaders gathered to commemorate this cultural milestone.
SK Poojary, the current convenor of the Oman Maha Ganeshotsava Samiti, delivered an inaugural speech reflecting on the 40-year legacy of Ganeshotsava in Muscat, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance to the community. Following this, Shri Shashidhar Shetty Mallar extended a warm welcome to the audience and introduced Vidushi Nandinii Rao and her troupe, who were set to enchant everyone with their captivating performances. Dr CK Anchan also provided insights into the Oman Maha Ganeshotsava Samiti and welcomed the guests, setting an uplifting tone for the evening’s festivities.
Vidushi Nandinii Rao and her talented troupe mesmerized the audience with a diverse selection of bhajans in Hindi, Kannada, Tulu, and Gujarati. They started with a traditional Ganapati sequence, embarking on a musical journey that enveloped the audience in celestial melodies. The dynamic shifts in pace and rhythm of the popular bhajans captivated everyone present. Rao skillfully explained various compositions, showcasing them in Hindustani, Carnatic, and light music styles, allowing attendees to enjoy the music in ways that resonated with them. Engaging the audience, she invited them to sing along and even taught a few basic ragas, fostering a sense of community and participation.
The event featured an impressive ensemble of musicians, including Jagadeesh D Kurthkoti on tabla, Sangeeth Thomas on keyboard, Shivalingappa Rajaour on flute, and Pranav Dath on rhythm pad, all contributing to the evening's vibrant atmosphere.
Vidushi Nandinii Rao and her troupe were graciously felicitated by the dignitaries for their remarkable performance. Additionally, all the bhajan singers of the Oman Maha Ganeshotsava celebrations were honored for their contributions, celebrating the collective effort and spirit of devotion that characterized the event.
Under the able coordination of SK Poojary and a dedicated team, including Umesh Bantwal, Shashidhar Shetty Mallar, Dr CK Anchan, Ravi Kanchan, Gurudas Pejathaya, Devanand Amin, Shri Sukumar Anchan, Sachin Kamath, and Nagesh Shetty Kinnigoly, the event ran smoothly, thanks to the collective efforts of numerous volunteers.
All the organizing committee members were honoured for their tremendous efforts in making the event a success. Their dedication and hard work played a crucial role in bringing the celebration to life and ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The event was expertly compered by Akshaydeep Moodabidri, who guided the audience through the evening's festivities with charm and enthusiasm, adding to the overall warmth and engagement of the celebration.
This Bhajan Sandhya not only celebrated a remarkable milestone but also reinforced the cultural bonds within the community, making it a truly unforgettable evening for all.