Milap, the UK’s leading Indian Arts and Culture company has announced a music and dance program called ‘The Diwali Series’ that will take place in November 1-5, 2021.
Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, usually lasting five days and celebrated during the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. One of the most popular festivals of India, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.
For last year’s Diwali festival, Milap took its celebrations online, and this year the virtual festivities will continue with a line-up of rising stars and internationally renowned performers.
The Music for the Mind & Soul series will return with two concerts taking place across the week. This national concert series is designed to make the audience relax and forget about their worries and focus on their mental health and wellbeing.
Smt. Shirin Sengupta Nath
The first of the concerts, on November 1st, will be Smt. Shirin Sengupta Nath. An internationally acclaimed Hindustani Classical Vocalist from Kolkata, Shirin Sengupta Nath has performed in major music festivals and venues in more than 25 countries around the world.
Designed especially for the festival, the performance was recorded at the On Air Studio in Kolkata and will feature accompanying artists Gourab Chatterjee (harmonium), Sandip Ghosh (tabla), Soumyajyoti Ghosh (flute), Poulami Dasgupta (vocal support & swaramandal) and Dipita Bhattacharya (vocal support and percussion).
Snehasish Mozumdar
On November 3rd, Snehasish Mozumdar will perform as part of Milap’s Music for the Mind and Soul concert series. Mozumdar will explore the rich melodic sound of the mandolin, a rare instrument in Hindustani music. Traditionally used in Carnatic music, Snehasish has blended the mandolin seamlessly into the Hindustani style.
Dr Janaki Nair
A video performance on November 4th from Kathakali artist Dr Janaki Nair will tell the story of Poothanamoksham – the tale of a demoness, her evil motives, motherly love, angst, and eventual surrender to the supreme being.
Poothana is often misunderstood as an ‘evil hag’, but this performance portrays her as a rounded character reflecting various shades of womanhood. Disguised as a beautiful woman, Poothana reaches Ambadi to execute King Kamsa’s order to slay all newborn babies, including Lord Krishna. But when she finds the charming Krishna, she is overwhelmed by motherly love. Caught in a deadly trap, she must make the tough decision between saving the child or saving herself.
Rithvik Raja and Shweta Prachande
The final concert in the program will see Carnatic vocalist, Rithvik Raja partner with award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer Shweta Prachande for a ‘conversation through dance and music’.
Rooted in the South Indian Classical Music tradition, popularly known as Carnatic Music, Raja is one of the most celebrated and respected artists of his era.
Archana Shastri, Director at Milap says: “Diwali is the perfect time to gather with near and dear ones and immerse yourself in the richness of India’s culture. That’s why we’ve curated a five day virtual festival experience featuring a beautiful variety of artistic works which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. From the soothing sounds of Mandolin and Tabla to a fun dance workshop for the entire family, there’s something for everyone to love. So, curl up with a hot cup of chai ( and a samosa or two ) and transport yourself to India, while music and dance fills your homes with light, love and goodness – the essence of Diwali.”
Full Listings:
Monday, 1st November, 2021
Shirin Sengupta
Hindustani Vocals | Music for the Mind & Soul
Tuesday, 2nd November, 2021
Dance with Divas Workshop with Sheetal Maru | Health and Safety policy here
Wednesday, 3rd November, 2021
Snehasish Mozumdar
Mandolin & Tabla | Music for the Mind & Soul
Thursday, 4th November, 2021
Janaki Nair | Kathikali
Friday, 5th November, 2021
Rithvik Raja & Shweta Prachande | Carnatic Vocals & Bharatanatyam
You can access all the online events taking place from 1st to 5th November 2021 by heading to www.youtube.com/milap.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central