Ghazal Maestro Ghulam Ali performs at Sankat Mochan

The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Mahotsav, held on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, had Legendary Ghazal singer from Pakistan, Ustad Ghulam Ali. The Mahotsav that is being held continuously for the past 92 years had many a famous classical vocal and instrument maestro’s gracing the event. The Fest is held at the main “prangan (courtyard)” of the revered Sankat Mochan temple.

The ghazal maestro from Pakistan Ustad Ghulam Ali gave a melodious performance here. In fact the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha, regretted that he was unable to attend the event due to his busy schedule and expressed the hope that he would be among the audience in the future.

Narendra Modi had tweeted, “I do wish I get the opportunity to attend such a programme in future where so many well known artistes will be enchanting the audience. I must share that I have heard Ghulam Ali Sahab in the past & that too in person. Also read in the papers that Ghulam Ali Sahab wished that I attend the programme. Unfortunately, this time I would not be able to do so. My best wishes to the organisers of the ‘Sangeet Samaroh. Several renowned musicians will be gracing the programmes.”

Fans of the Ghazal maestro thronged the event in hordes. Along with Ghulam Ali, the other eminent personalities who performed were, Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, Flute maestro Hari Prasad Chaurasia, renowned vocalist Pandit Vishwanath and vocal legend Pandit Jasraj. The crowds awaited patiently to hear Ghulam Ali, he was likely to begin with “something traditional” which may include Chaiti and Thumri.