Tansen Music Festival in Guj town

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Palanpur, Oct 31 (UNI) On the lines of the Tansen Music Festival held every year at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the Gujarat government has organised a two-day music fest in Vadnagar starting today in the memory of Tana and Riri, the two sisters who had rendered the Raag Meghmalhar to bring relief to an ailing Tansen.

According to the legend, Tana and Riri, had by their rendition of Megamaldhar, the song of the rain cured legendary musician Tansen, who had suffered burns from the effects of singing Dipak raag, the song of fire.

Tansen, who was King Akbar's court musician, had come in search of the two girls, whose fame had spread beyond their region. Their singing cured Tansen and the King was very pleased, the legend says.

However, when the two were asked to sing in Akbar's court, they committed suicide by drowning in a well. ''They being Brahmins, opted to give up their lives rather than refuse the King, as that would have caused a war-like situation in their town,'' said History professor Ratilalal Bhavsar.

The government decided to pay tributes to the legendary sisters in the form of a concert for the first time in 2003. It is being held every year since then, on their death anniversary.

Several well-known names in the field of classical music and folk songs will participate in the event. While Arunkant Sevak and Harikant Sevak will render vocal classical songs, Gargi Vora, Nidhi Dholakiya and Asif Zeriya will present light music. Loksangeet will be rendered by Yashwant Gadhvi and Bihari Hemu Gadhvi.

Among other attractions planned during the event, are a seminar on the importance of classical Music, a unique exhibition of the traditional musical instruments, and a heritage walk.

Most places of tourist interest, including existing five ancient gates - Nandiol, Arajanbari Eithodi and Amthor Darwaza and one damaged Ghaskot Darwaza have been illuminated. The legendary Sharmistha Talav (pond) will shine up with thousands of earthen lamps.

Many dignitories including Assembly Speaker Mangaldas Patel, Education Minister Anandiben Patel, Revenue Minister Kaushik Patel, Industries Minister Anil Patel, Tourism Minister C D Patel and MPs and MLAs from Mehsana district, are also expected to attend the programme, District Collector Manish Bharadwaj said.