Vidushi Sunanda Sharma, the renowned vocalist of the Banaras Gharana, captivated audiences with her performance at ‘Boondan Phuhaar,’ held at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Organized by the Girija Darshan Trust, the concert celebrated the beauty of the monsoon season through the melodies of Indian classical music.
Sunanda Sharma, accompanied by an exceptional ensemble including Pt. Vinay Mishra on the harmonium, Pt. Mithilesh Kumar Jha on the tabla, and U. Ghulam Ali on the sarangi, created a deeply immersive musical experience. Their performance vividly captured the essence of the rains, transporting the audience into a serene and soulful world.
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, lauded the event, describing it as a “beautiful celebration of Indian classical music.” He praised Varanasi’s role in preserving India’s cultural heritage and commended Sunanda Sharma for continuing the rich traditions of the Banaras Gharana. Similarly, Kusum Awasthi, former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, expressed her admiration, calling the event a “beautiful journey” and praising Sharma’s commitment to keeping the legacy alive. A disciple of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Smt. Girija Devi, Sunanda Sharma shared her reflections on the concert, stating, “Celebrating nature with music is a blissful opportunity.” Her dedication to the Guru-Shishya Parampara has made her an internationally acclaimed artist, known for her soul-stirring renditions.
The Girija Darshan Trust, founded by Sunanda Sharma in memory of her Gurus, is committed to nurturing young talent while promoting and preserving the rich traditions of Indian classical music. The concert was another milestone in its mission of showcasing the brilliance of this heritage.