By Clarence Pinto
Photos : Dilip Correa
Daijiworld News Network Muscat
 

Munjane Manjinolu
Pasuralli nadevaaga
Anjisuva Sanjeyolu
Usirannu yelevaaga
Yele poove aalisuve
Naa ninna geeteyanu
Yele poove solisuve
Naa ninna preetiyanu!

(Amidst the early morning dew
Walking across the greenery
And in the evening that is scary
While taking a breath,
Oh flower, I listen to your Song
Oh flower, I defeat your love!)

De.ja. Gou perfectly described in his first Kannada poem, 'Poovu' or 'The Flower', the perfection and beauty of a flower and thus, that poem became an evidence of glorifying the power of nature and creator. Very honestly, we will not be able to express the glory of music that flew at the Raga Lahari Event – an extraordinary Musical Extravaganza at the Le Grande Hotel – Muscat.  Raga Lahari was just a perfect show of majestically beautiful soul touching music and rhythm of ragas that gave Kannagidas living in Muscat a feast of entertainment.

On the occasion of Suvarna Karnataka Rajyostava Celebrations, Karnataka Wing of Indian Social Club ( ISC – Muscat ) presented a Fusion Music Concert - Raga Lahari by Karnataka’s renowned and exuberant musicians on Thursday, 23rd November 2006, at Le Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel.

The event started with a warm welcome by vibrant Vice President and charismatic speaker of Karnataka Wing – Gireesh Rao. Gireesh expressed a pleasant of joy of having a musical extravaganza of this nature for the very special occasion ie Suvarna Karnataka Rajyostava. Ramachandra Rao, leading committee member of Karnataka wing anchored the first part of the event.  The man behind the show, President of the Karnataka wing presented official welcome to the artists, thanked the sponsors and also the audience. Gireesh Rao presented the profiles of the visiting artists.

The lighting of the lamp ceremony was performed by the chief guest of the event, Balaji Srinivasan, Managing Director of Towell Al Zawra Engieering Services, the presenter of the event. The senior officials of other major sponsors were also present.

The real thrill of the event started with the arrival of Pallavi Arun to the huge and precisely decorated stage. Pallavi, Arya Bhatta Best Actress Award winner, exceptionally brilliant in Bharatanatya and Hindustani Music, began the program with ‘Ganesh Vandana’ devotional bhajan of rare simplicity and invoking divine grace.

Pallavi introduced and invited her team to the stage. Arun Kumar, prodigy of Percussion, who had been offering music since 1986 and rendering percussion support to Carnatic Classical, Talavadya, Jazz Music, Light Music and various stage performances; N S Prasad, unmatched master of mandolin, popular composer of light music, rendering music support to most of the music cd’s and cassettes, Chandu, vibrant violinist, expert in playing solo and in jugalbandi and fusion music concerts; Madusudan, top class Tabla player, fluent in  playing his magic fingers on tabla, dholak, bass dholak, dholki and Ghat Singari, Thamate and other musical instruments; Pravin Rao, king of Keyboard, a composer of highest quality, has rare ability to integrate Indian classical with western techniques transforming into a new generation music, thus forming a bridge between traditional values and contemporary music;  Srinivas Achar, genius of Guitar, Bangalore’s prominent guitarist for the past ten years.

The event was a like a musical tour from Latin music to the beautiful places in Karnataka. The mesmerizing voice of Pallavi brought sensational effects into the minds and hearts of the Kannadigas present. Specially composed song for the Muscat audience with a classical touch of Arabic music was a great experience for many of the audience.  Mysore Anataswamy’s song of Madikeri was a brilliant presentation of joyful Music and enthralled the Madikeri expatriates. Audience was astonished when Pallavi brought Jog Falls to the auditorium.  Through out the event Pallavi was able to present a great euphoria classical music with great support from the musicians. Each and every one present was extremely happy and filled with joy.

During the function, mementos were presented to the artists by Balaji Subramanian and A. Vaman, appreciating their musical talents and contribution to the Kannada Music World.
      
The event Raga Lahari was presented by Towell al Zawra Engineering Services, well known engineering organisation of Oman. The other sponsors of the event were Bahwan Furnishings, Muscat Private Hospital,  Indian Airlines, Oman Air,  Oman UAE Exchange, Galfar Engg and Contracting,  Zahara Tours, Minara,  Ajay Group,  Jawad Sultan Technologies, Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic and National Life Insurance