What began as a single Ashadhi Ekadashi concert inspired by a conversation with the late classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar has, over the last 21 years, evolved into one of India’s longest-running celebrations of Maharashtra’s devotional music tradition. Bolava Vitthal, by Pancham Nishad, returns to Mumbai this weekend. The annual festival, which has travelled to more than 35 cities across India, will feature vocalists Devaki Pandit, Anand Bhate, Aarya Ambekar and Siddhartha Belmannu, presenting abhangs by Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Sant Namdev, Sant Janabai, Sant Chokhamela, Sant Muktabai, Sant Bahinabai, Sant Sakhubai and other revered saint-poets. The festival traces its origins to a conversation between Shashi Vyas, founder of Pancham Nishad, and Kishori Amonkar. When Vyas suggested that her abhang recitals could reach a wider audience under a more accessible title, Amonkar chose Bolava Vitthal, borrowed from Sant Tukaram’s celebrated composition that she had set to music. The success of that concert led to an annual Ashadhi Ekadashi tradition, which later expanded from Maharashtra’s Abhangwani to Karnataka’s Daswani, reflecting Pancham Nishad’s efforts to take India’s devotional literary traditions to audiences across regions. ‘WHAT BEGAN AS A SIMPLE MUSICAL OFFERING HAS GROWN INTO A SHARED CULTURAL JOURNEY’ “When we began Bolava Vitthal 21 years ago, our vision was much larger than presenting an annual concert. We wanted to create greater awareness about the timeless wisdom of India’s saint-poets through their music and poetry. Over the years, our efforts have extended from Maharashtra’s Abhangwani to Karnataka’s Daswani, taking these rich devotional traditions to audiences across the country. Today, having travelled to more than 35 cities, it is deeply satisfying to see people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds connect with this music with the same reverence. What began as a simple musical offering has grown into a shared cultural journey,” says Shashi Vyas. ‘THIS FESTIVAL KEEPS AN EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY ALIVE WITH SINCERITY AND DEVOTION’ For the artistes, the festival is as much about devotion as it is about music. “Bhakti is an innate, deeply rooted emotion in every artiste’s consciousness. I am devoted to music, and the bhakti that is the essence of abhangs has always resonated with me. The poetry of Sant Janabai, Sant Muktabai and Sant Bahinabai is especially close to my heart. Every time I sing their words, I discover a new layer of emotion and wisdom. Bolava Vitthal is a beautiful platform that keeps this extraordinary legacy alive with sincerity and devotion,” says Devaki Pandit. Anand Bhate adds, “Bolava Vitthal is not just a concert; it is an emotional offering. When I sing the abhangs of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram or Sant Namdev, I feel as though I am participating in a conversation that has continued for centuries. These compositions transcend music, they are expressions of devotion, humility and surrender. It is a privilege to be part of a festival that has nurtured this tradition with such commitment for over two decades.” “For me, singing these abhangs is like building a bridge across generations. The poetry of the saints is incredibly simple, but it carries such a deep sense of love and complete surrender. Every single time I perform them on stage, I feel like I’m tapping into something timeless that still beautifully connects with people today. It is an honour to be part of Bolava Vitthal and contribute to a tradition that continues to inspire audiences across generations,” says Aarya Ambekar. ‘BOLAVA VITTHAL BEAUTIFULLY BRINGS TOGETHER THE DEVOTIONAL STREAMS OF MAHARASHTRA AND KARNATAKA’ Siddhartha Belmannu says, “The beauty of abhangs lies in their timeless message. As artistes, our responsibility is to preserve their essence while presenting them in a way that resonates with today’s audiences. Coming from Karnataka, I have grown up with the Dasa Sahitya tradition, and Bolava Vitthal beautifully brings together the devotional streams of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is an honour to be part of a platform that celebrates this rich bhakti tradition through music.” The singers will be accompanied by Yashwant Vaishnav and Tanay Rege on tabla, Aditya Oke on harmonium, Sukhad Munde on pakhawaj, Sunil Awchat on flute and Suryakant Surve on additional rhythm.
