Bengal musicians go online to uplift spirits of people during lockdown
Renowned musician Ustad Rashid Ali Khan and his sonArmaan recently hosted an online 'bhajan' programme from theirsouth Kolkata residence while 'bauls' of Birbhum district sangsongs on the fight against coronavirus, all trying to upliftthe spirits of the people of the state where 116 coronavirushave been reported so far.
Ustad Rashid Khan and his son presented a medley ofthree bhajans 'Dheere dheere re mana', 'Yeh andhiyara mitjayega' and 'Subah ho shaam ho tera naam japu'.
"We can overcome any crisis if we seek solace inmusic," Khan told on Friday.
Narayan Baul of Khairasol and Ananda Khyapa ofSantiniketan, both in Birbhum district, have created awarenessabout coronavirus through their songs and urged people tofight the disease together and defeat it.
Their songs have been widely shared on social media.
"Baul songs can send messages to the people and can beused as a tool for generating awareness. I have done my job,"Khyapa said.
On Ustad Rashid Khan's bhajans, Imam of Kolkata'sNakhoda Masjid, Shafique Qasmi said, "Doesn't the strains ofshehnai played by Ustad Bismillah Khan appeal to everyone atDurga Puja marquees and on weddings? The creation of a person,irrespective of his or her religious beliefs, is foreveryone."
A spokesperson of the Sri Chaitanya Math in Sodepursaid, "When a musician sings a devotional song, be it akirtan, bhajan, qawwali or choir, it ultimately connects withthe soul." SUSACD ACD