Padharo Mhare Des – Rajasthani Rhythmic Beats in Prasanthi

Music transcends time and space and Prasanthi Nilayam is undoubtedly the most coveted darbar any artist or singer could dream of since the Supreme One as Sri Sathya Sai presides over hallowed Prasanthi.

He, Who has attracted musicians from the world over continues to perennially do so. This evening when the ongoing Rajasthan Parthi Yatra entered day 2 here, the famed Manganiyar Lok Kalakar Group led by the renowned Anwar Khan Manganiyar presented an electrifying Rajasthan Folk Musical offering – “Padharo Mhare Des” (‘O Lord, come to our Land’) in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Manganiyars are the heirs of one of India’s richest, century-old musical tradition from Barmer district of Rajasthan. A host of Manganiyar musicians accompanied the peer, Anwar Khan Manganiyar, this evening, presenting a scintillating, exhilarating portrayal of folk-music that radiated pure devotional ecstasy.

A traditional Ganesha incantation first was followed by a composition on Bhagawan – “Terey Mein Sath Ke Java…” Striking a rich chord with the Prasanthi tradition, the group then offered a range of songs that included, “Tu Hey Sab Ka Dada Palanhar…”, “Aaja Tu Hamare Mahadev…” a ‘Rajasthani’ Meera Bhajan and “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar…” along with a Qawwali to name a few. The hour-long concert ended with an invocation to Bhagawan, a lively title song – “Padharo Mhare Des”. Rightfully, they concluded with the refrain “Sai Ram Padharo… Sai Ram Padharo… Sai Ram Padharo…” with deep longing that represented the heart-beat of Rajasthan…Rajasthani Rhythmic Beats.

Apart from Dholak, Harmonium, Sarangi, etc., the troupe also played on the century old instrument Kamachya and Khadtal, bringing out a fascinating music ‘tale’ from the desert State of Rajasthan.

Full-throated and deep-hearted, the session turned out to be a boisterous, soulful devotional offering for the august ‘Prasanthi’ evening.

“Sai Ram Padharo… Sai Ram Padharo… Sai Ram Padharo…” the refrain continued to ring… first loudly and then, silently… most subtly… invoking The Lord.

Bhajans next ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II