Known:
The heritage city
Aurangabad (Maharashtra) is best known for the Ajanta and Ellora
caves. The city serves as a base destination for reaching the
historical sites mentioned above and attracts tourists from all
across the globe. This city was a Mughal Territory in the reign of
Aurangazeb and is named after the emperor. The city houses the
mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife which is known as the Taj of Deccan.
Aurangabad’s
proximity to Ellora, Ajanta, Daulatabad and Shirdi has earned the
city a prominent place in the tourism industry of India. The city has
geared up to cater both national and international tourists by
providing good accommodation and transportation facilities. The city
is served by a well connected airport and a railway station. MTDC
(Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) provides special
tourist packages for seeing Ajanta and Ellora Caves. You can also ask
for private transport services or hire a car to reach here.
Lesser-known:
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
The city is, so far,
known by its historical significance and industrial growth. But, not
many know about the internal cultural activities that go unnoticed by
the visitors. The city keeps hosting classical music and dance
concerts frequently for the connoisseurs. Up until recently, there
used to be Ellora Festival every year by inviting international level
singers and dancers. The Ellora festival has been temporarily halted.
However, another
cultural event hosted by MAHAGAMI (Mahatma Gandhi Mission Sangeet
Academy) is making news. It is called the Sharangadev Samaroh. This
unique music and dance festival has been initiated by the director of
MAHAGAMI, Parwati Datta. Parwati Datta, being a versatile Kathak and
Odissi dancer, has been motivating the art lovers of Aurangabad since
the establishment of the institution and is coordinating noted
artists of the nation to enlighten the younger generation on the path
of Indian music and dance heritage.
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
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| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Sharangdev Samaroh is one such step taken by MAHAGAMI. This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of classical music and dance that exists in various forms all across India. This event is especially dedicated to the 13th century musicologist Sharangadev, who is said to have lived in the court of Devagiri Yadava rulers. Devagiri is the present day Daulatabad which is at about 17 km from the city.
Sangeeta Ratnakara,
the book written by Sharangadev is an important text for the seekers
of both Hindustani and Carnatic music tradition. This 13th
century text documents almost all the prevalent dance and music
traditions of that time and gives descriptions about technical
details of dance movements, music, and rhythm. So, to commemorate the
contribution made by the author, the Sharangadev Samaroh will be held
in the land where the author created such a treatise.
The cultural event
comprises of a three day workshop followed by evening concerts.
Eminent artists belonging to various music and dance traditions such
as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniattam
and Manipuri will present their pieces. Noted artists like Birju
Maharaj, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr.
Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari, Sadanam
Balakrishnan and many other scholars have graced the event so far.
Dear
tourist…
If you are planning to
visit Aurangabad, please make a note of this event. Normally, the
event will be held in January or February for three days and nights.
Visitors can make use of this opportunity if they are in the city
during that time. Try something different when you are in Aurangabad
next time. Experience the lesser- known treasures of Aurangabad.
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