Mumbai witnessed an evening immersed in devotion, music and emotion as National Award-winning Hindustani classical vocalist Mahesh Kale presented his acclaimed concert series ‘Abhangwari’, a day after the auspicious occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi.Currently on an extensive India tour, the concert series arrived in Mumbai after a successful international journey across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore earlier this year, where it received an overwhelming response from audiences. Conceived by Kale nearly a decade ago, ‘Abhangwari’ draws inspiration from Maharashtra’s centuries-old Warkari tradition and aims to bring the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage to those who may never be able to undertake the annual journey to Pandharpur.Through the timeless poetry of saints such as Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, the concert recreated the devotion, surrender and collective energy of the Wari, turning the evening into a shared spiritual experience where music became a pathway to Lord Vitthal.The atmosphere was one of pure devotion as Kale opened the evening with the iconic abhang ‘Ram Krishna Hari’, followed by soulful renditions of ‘Jagadodharana’, ‘Sundar Te Dhyan’, ‘Vitthala’, ‘Abir Gulal’ and several other cherished compositions.A packed auditorium comprising music lovers across generations remained completely immersed in the performance. Many swayed gently to the rhythm, sang along with Kale, closed their eyes in quiet reflection, while some were visibly moved to tears — a testament to the profound emotional connect of ‘Abhangwari’.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who attended the event as the chief guest, was visibly moved by the performance and joined Kale in singing along. Sharing a personal anecdote, she recalled being asked in Hampi about how she re-energises herself. “I told them the only way I energise myself is by listening to music. Though I am more familiar with Carnatic music, when they asked if I also listened to Hindustani music, the first name that came to my mind was Mahesh Kale,” she said.Praising the vocalist, she added, “Maa Saraswati has blessed him. His voice, the way he connects with the audience and the message he conveys through his music touch every heart.”
Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Ashish Shelar also attended the event and lauded Kale’s efforts in taking Maharashtra’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to audiences worldwide. He recalled visiting Kale’s home in the US, describing it as a “musical ashram” rooted in Indian values, music and tradition.
