Traditional musical soirees back in Kolkata

Indian classical and folk music is now being showcased in especially-curated musical soirees or "baithaks" here to revive the fading tradition.

Christened "Mehfil", a year-long initiative by tabla maestro Tanmoy Bose brings together renowned practitioners of different styles of classical, folk and contemporary music once a month.

The highlight of a "baithak" is an intimate gathering of artists and music aficionados in a relaxed ambiance to appreciate the richness of music.

In the first sitting on Saturday, the Persian influence in north Indian ragas was shown by vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty. The evening was dedicated to Persian scholar and poet Amir Khusrau, credited for inventing the sitar and tabla.

Bose on Monday said: "By doing so I am sure it will help the listeners and practitioners of music immensely. Good music is the food for soul. Hence good musicians and listeners deserve to come together for the glorious future of our great heritage."

The initiative is supported by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute Of Asian Studies, Krystys and Bihaan Music.