Many youngsters across the country are depicting a preference for Sufi music. The current and the biggest Sufi and mystic music festival, The Ruhaniyat festival — comes as a boon for those yearning for music that promises to touch the soul. “This festival is mainly to nurture artistes from smaller towns. This will be a big platform and an exposure that they otherwise wouldn’t find,” says Mahesh Babu, brain child of Ruhaniyat music festival.
Many of the artistes that perform at this festival are not the usual musicians. Their music is unique and spiritual — the open-air ambience adds to this serene feeling. “I caught the concert in Delhi and am hoping to catch it in Pune. The open air ambience of Purana Quila gave me the feeling of touching the stars when I was listening to it,” says Mayank Bareja, a student.
Many people don’t listen to Sufi music because they do not understand the language. Shashanka, an art director says, “This music is not Latin. Whoever listens to it, will touch base at a spiritual level.”
A common factor for those passionate about this genre is that they fancy listening to new artistes at every concert. Shashanka says, “I am hoping the concert in Chennai will have artistes I have never heard.” Shashanka hopes that the Bengaluru concert in January is an all-nighter. “These concerts get over so soon, it leaves me asking for more,” adds Shashanka.
Youngsters are travelling across the subcontinent to catch these Sufi musicians live in action. IR Ramya says, “I would travel from Bengaluru to any city for this. During solos, the music gives an impression that the instruments are in a deep and meaningful dialogue with each other.” She experienced this during Abdul Rashid Hafiz’s show.
A popular artiste amongst many youngsters is Mukhtiyar Ali & Group from Bikaner. “This group dishes out the best of Kabir vanis send shivers down my spine. If they perform in the forthcoming concerts in Hyderabad or Chennai, I am definitely going. This music is magical,” says Tejesh Kiran, a filmmaker. Tejesh also mentioned his fancy for Parvathy Baul from West Bengal, “She is passionate and dedicated to her tunes,” he adds.
Shashanka shared an emotional connect with Pakistani singer Munni Begum’s work. “I loved her song Maar Hi Daal Mujhe that talks about a woman who is divorcing her husband but would like one last glance from him. This song always brings tears to my eyes,” says Shashanka.