STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Sharad Mahotsav, first of its kind, ever in Jammu, culminated in a grand spectacle on Sunday at Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir.
The Mahotsav based on classical devotional music comprised Bhajan Sandhyas by acclaimed artists of national repute; and musical contest (vocal and instrumental) for youth in the age group of 16 to 23. The Mahotsav commenced on Friday, 3rd November 2023, with recitation of Ganesh Vandna by Vidayrithis, residing in the Mandir. Acclaimed artists Radha Rani from Rishikesh and Dr Roshi Shaminotra from IMFA, commenced the Mahotsav with their soulful rendition on the first day.
On Saturday, Dharmesh Nargotra, celebrated artist of national repute, along with his disciples, brilliantly took the devotees soaring along the ecstatic spiritual bliss with intricate musical notes, displaying adept mastery over the art of devotional music. He was also ably accompanied by his son Aarav Nargotra on guitar. Suraj Singh, well known classical singer, on Sunday performed on the grand finale day taking the Mahotsav to another level.
He enchanted audience with devotional bhajans, transposing devotees to sublime level of spiritual transcendence.
The accompanist Amarjeet Singh on violin, Parshotam Kumar on Pakhwaj, Rakesh Anand on flute, Vinay and Amit on Tabla generated a perfect synergy with singers, in the Mahotsav, elevating performances to soothing mystical experiences. It was a mesmerising experience for everyone present in the audience. While, in the-musical contest talented young artist from Women College Parade, Institute of Music and fine Arts and other institutions took part in the contest. The participants participated in Sangeet Pratiyogita during the Mahotsav include Simran Sharma, Dheeraj Kumar, Ritisha Manhas, Poojan Kumar, Netra Tickkoo, Rahul Mangotra, Nirmal Kumar, Arpana Kumari, Nirmal Sharma, Umika Sharma, Shriya Gurtoo, Simran Gurtoo, Mahima Chibbar, Rajni Devi, Danish Verma. Hilal Farooq, Sobia Kouser, Harman Kour and Komal Mangotra. Everyone in the audience deeply appreciated marvellous performances of talented contestants. Netra Tickoo was awarded first prize in vocal classical, while Harman Kaur was awarded first prize in instrumental category. Nirmal Kumar was awarded second prize in vocal classical and Sobia Kousar was awarded second prize in instrumental category. The third award was awarded to Shriya Gurtoo in vocal classical, while Danish Verma was awarded third award in instrumental category.
Acclaimed and nationally renowned Artists Seema Anil Sehgal, Amarjeet Singh, Ashutosh Magotra and Pankaj Pradhan were Jury members to adjudicate.
Jury profoundly appreciated the abundance of talent available in the Jammu region.
Sharad Mahotsav in Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, has created a unique position in the art, cultural and spiritual landscape of Jammu and has established Mandir as an authentic platform for performing artists.
A large number of Sangat, from the Mandir and music lovers from the city, gathered at the ancient Mandir, to flow in the spiritual ecstasy, creating a history of the sort.