“Music is the purest form of art... therefore true poets, they who are seers, seek to express the universe in terms of music... The singer has everything within him. The notes come out from his very life. They are not materials gathered from outside.”
-Indian Poet, Essayist, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Tagore Rabindranath
Indian music forms the crux of spirituality for the nation’s culture, as it is music that is believed to be the keeper of enlightenment. Through song and dance, mere mortals are able to communicate with the Gods and show their unconditional devotion to them. Musical dance routines appear at the end of Bollywood movies because musical dance allows people to release t
heir emotions. India is known for its spiritual nature, but it is also believed to be losing much of that peace and harmony to modernization. Music festivals, however, have been keeping these ancient ideas alive by continuing the rituals that have been passed down for centuries.
It is unknown when music became such an important part of Indian culture. However, it is well-known that music has played a vital role for the Indian people since ancient times. Although there have been many transformations, music has still maintained its vitality in Indian culture. Festivals and celebrations are common throughout India every year, and renowned performers and artists can be found creating beautiful music for the public to enjoy.
One of the most popular music festivals is put on by corporate giant ITC. Known as the Sangeet Sammelan, this yearly festival showcases the greatest talents in classical music throughout India. It became a tradition after the first festival was held in Delhi in 1971. ITC
wanted to help keep the spiritual music at the forefront of Indian culture, and this celebration was created to honor the prestigious artists who continue to pass the musical traditions along. Sangeet is a combination of vocals, music, and dance. Despite its complexity, Sangeet is the underpinning for the classical arts of India, where emotions are meant to be passionately evoked.
There are two important parts of Indian classical music known as Hindustani and Carnatic. These two classifications, when combined, represent the North and South of India. Sangeet Sammelan focuses mostly on the Hindustani sector, and the ITC firmly believes that festivals such as this continue to perpetuate harmony and peace throughout Indian culture. Because of its value with communicating with the Gods, Hindustani is a mostly vocalized type of music, and the instruments used help to emulate the important vocals in each song. The celebration never ceases to amaze those who attend.
The classical music of India appeals to all ages, but it is the eldest performers who get the most special treatment. It is common in India to pay respect to elders, and the eldest performers of the festival are given a large cash reward as a type of homage to their status. Benefits like this help to keep the spiritual focus alive for those who will be able to pass down their beliefs to younger generations.
Cultures may differ in beliefs and values, but music can be a vehicle that links diverse cultures from around the world. India may appear to be losing some of its spirituality, but anyone who has the privilege to attend such a stunning display of music appreciation will immediately change their mind. India may become a modernized nation, but their divine history is still full of life through the art of song.
By: Lisa DiBenedetto
Photos from
-Indian Poet, Essayist, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Tagore Rabindranath
Indian music forms the crux of spirituality for the nation’s culture, as it is music that is believed to be the keeper of enlightenment. Through song and dance, mere mortals are able to communicate with the Gods and show their unconditional devotion to them. Musical dance routines appear at the end of Bollywood movies because musical dance allows people to release t
heir emotions. India is known for its spiritual nature, but it is also believed to be losing much of that peace and harmony to modernization. Music festivals, however, have been keeping these ancient ideas alive by continuing the rituals that have been passed down for centuries.It is unknown when music became such an important part of Indian culture. However, it is well-known that music has played a vital role for the Indian people since ancient times. Although there have been many transformations, music has still maintained its vitality in Indian culture. Festivals and celebrations are common throughout India every year, and renowned performers and artists can be found creating beautiful music for the public to enjoy.
One of the most popular music festivals is put on by corporate giant ITC. Known as the Sangeet Sammelan, this yearly festival showcases the greatest talents in classical music throughout India. It became a tradition after the first festival was held in Delhi in 1971. ITC
wanted to help keep the spiritual music at the forefront of Indian culture, and this celebration was created to honor the prestigious artists who continue to pass the musical traditions along. Sangeet is a combination of vocals, music, and dance. Despite its complexity, Sangeet is the underpinning for the classical arts of India, where emotions are meant to be passionately evoked.There are two important parts of Indian classical music known as Hindustani and Carnatic. These two classifications, when combined, represent the North and South of India. Sangeet Sammelan focuses mostly on the Hindustani sector, and the ITC firmly believes that festivals such as this continue to perpetuate harmony and peace throughout Indian culture. Because of its value with communicating with the Gods, Hindustani is a mostly vocalized type of music, and the instruments used help to emulate the important vocals in each song. The celebration never ceases to amaze those who attend.
The classical music of India appeals to all ages, but it is the eldest performers who get the most special treatment. It is common in India to pay respect to elders, and the eldest performers of the festival are given a large cash reward as a type of homage to their status. Benefits like this help to keep the spiritual focus alive for those who will be able to pass down their beliefs to younger generations.
Cultures may differ in beliefs and values, but music can be a vehicle that links diverse cultures from around the world. India may appear to be losing some of its spirituality, but anyone who has the privilege to attend such a stunning display of music appreciation will immediately change their mind. India may become a modernized nation, but their divine history is still full of life through the art of song.
By: Lisa DiBenedetto
Photos from
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