A tribute to Late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Celebrating the auspicious occasion of 'Ashadi Ekadashi', Pancham Nishad announced the Fifth annual music festival “BOLAVA VITHAL” - a concert tour of Abhangs and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Panduranga on July 15, 2011, 6:00 pm onwards from 6:00 p.m. at Naradgana Sabha, Chennai.

India’s well known vocalists Shaunak Abhisheki, Devaki Pandit and Suresh Wadkar will perform paying tribute to legendary vocalist Late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, through his thematic concert 'SANTWANI' at the concert sponsored by Inga Foundation, Union Bank, State Bank of India and Bank of India. This year Bolava Vitthal concert will be presented in 7 cities namely Mumbai, Bangalore, Dharwad, Chennai, Nasik, Goa & Pune

Being in its 5th year, the concert this year will commence its devotional journey of abhangs as a tribute to the legendary vocalist the Late Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi, who popularized abhangs not only in India, but also abroad through his thematic concert “SANTWANI”. This year Bolava Vitthal concert will be presented in 7 cities namely Nashik, Goa, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dharwad & Chennai.

“Bolava Vitthal” was initiated with the objective of giving a rare opportunity to music lovers and devotees to listen to such maestros singing praise of Lord Vitthal. The classical finesse of abhangs insinuates a resplendent evening. ‘Ashadi Ekadashi’ is considered as one of the most auspicious days, thousands of devotees of Lord Vitthal known as “WARKARIS” walk in groups from their respective homes, singing the devotional songs/abhangs in praise and reach Pandharpur town on the propitious day of Ashadi Ekadashi to offer their prayers to Lord Vitthal.

Shashi Vyas, Director, Pancham Nishad, says, “Bolava Vitthal has carved its own niche amongst the audiences and our concerts have been well-received throughout Maharashtra, the home of Lord Vitthal and other cities like Bangalore and Chennai where large part of the audience is non-maharashtrian. This year we are paying tribute to the late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi by presenting unique singers at every venue to recreate the magic of devotional music. The concert would start with the “GAJAR (Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari)” and followed by solo performances by each artiste. Tickets are available at the venue and are priced at Rs. 300/-, 200/- 100/- .

Singers' profile

Shaunak Abhisheki the son and disciple of Maestro Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, is a vocalist who combines Agra and Jaipur styles of Hindustani Classical Music. Albhisheki trained under Smt. Kamaltai Tambe of the Jaipur Gharana. Shounak has performed special programs such as Swarabhishek, Tulsi Ke Ram & Kabir and Abhang, based on on his father's compositions.In addition to several Indian music festivals,he has performed a series of concerts in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the Persian Gulf and Thailand. Shounak has been recorded by Sony Music, Music Today, Times Music, Ninad Music, Music Curry, and Fountain Music.

Devaki Pandit is a trained classical singer. In 1986, she recorded her first playback song for movie Ardhangini, which went on to win her the Maharashtra State Award for "Best Female Playback Singer". Devaki is well-known for her several Marathi serial title songs especially Abhaalmaya of Zee Marathi. She recently judged the multi episode vocal talent show “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” on Zee Marathi and was popular with the audience for her accurate judgment and excellent guidance.

Suresh Wadkar began performing at the age of 8. He has been groomed for classical music but has made a mark in the Hindi film Industry as well. He has sung for great composers including R. D Burman, Laxmikant Pyarelal and A. R Rahman. He has also performed live with Zakir Hussain and Lata Mangeshkar. He won the National Award for Marathi movie me Sindhutai Sapkal. He was a judge on the Indian TV singing show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs International.