BY RAMESH SAVAIKAR|NT NETWORK

The goddess Yogeshwari devasthan at Kulan- Bicholim organised a special kirtan performance titled ‘Chakri Kirtan’ recently.

Presented by nine ‘bal kirtankaras’ (child kirtan artists), the students of Kirtan Mahavidyalaya, Ponda presented various stories from Puranas and epics through kirtan performances, which mesmerised the audience.

 The programme began with a traditional presentation of ‘Naman’ by all kirtan artistes.

Those who participated in the Chakri Kirtan included, Ms Arya Dhupkar, Ms Shivani Vaze, Ms Shruti Manerikar, Ms Krutika Naik, Masters Rudrakshya Vaze, Suraj Gawas, Vinayak Bhat, Sushant Gawas, and Shravan Manerikar.

Suhas Vaze and Mahesh Vaze accompanied the singers on the harmonium and tabla respectively.

The ‘bal Kirtankaras’ performances in traditional Hindu dress attire with ‘chipalis’ in hand is a symbol of our rich Sausnskruti, remarked, renowned kirtan artist, Mr Ramkarishna Buva Garde . All nine ‘bal Kirtankaras’ were honoured at the hands of president of devsthan samiti, Mr Gurudas Mone.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mone said applauded the student’s kirtan teacher, Mr Suhasbuva Vaze. “The Kirtan karas play a vital role in guiding society on the path which is a part of social education,” Mr Mone opined.

The renowned Kirtan artist and teacher of Kirtan College, Ponda, Mr Suhasbuva Vaze

also spoke on the occasion. He said, “Goa has given kirtan artists of national level stature who have earned a name and have enriched this tradition and also inspired the young generation”. He urged the gathering to encourage kirtan art in Goa.

Various religious rituals were performed in the temple throughout the day. The Kirtan performance was followed by a palanquin procession of goddess Yogeshwari around the temple premises. Hundreds of devotees from different parts of the state participated in it.