The 24th edition of TCS Ruhaniyat will begin on Friday evening, January 24, at Jayamahal Palace Hotel Lawns, Bengaluru. The festival has been a pilgrimage site for music and poetry lovers for more than two decades.
Organized by Mumbai-based Banyan Tree Events and presented in association with Tata Consultancy Services, Ruhaniyat is a festival that attempts to connect age-old traditions with present-day questions and curiosities.
This year, the line-up includes a variety of performances from Avdhoot Gandhi’s soulful tribute to the saints of Maharashtra to Indo-Arabic collaborations and qawwali. Another act that embodies the spirit of Ruhaniyat is Madan Gopal Singh and Chaar Yaar, a group whose work with mystical poetry and cross-cultural compositions has earned them a devoted following.
A diverse line-up
Features of this year’s Ruhaniyat Bengaluru edition:-
This is what the saints of Maharashtra said By Avadhoot Gandhi & Group
heaven, earth and man Pipa Connects By: Chia-Ning Liang (Taiwan)
Arabic Tasawwuf Come Alive By Saif Al Ali (UAE) with Eli El Helbawy (Egypt)
A glimpse of Bulleh Shah’s world By Madan Gopal Singh and Char Yaar
when hearts join – an Indo-Arabic production
Qawwaali By Akbar Nizami & Group
a journey to freedom
For Madan Gopal, Ruhaniyat is more than a performance space – it is an furnace for creativity. “We have been associated with Ruhaniyat for almost 15 years and have traveled extensively with them in India and abroad,” he says. “This platform has given us the opportunity to work on new content, to be creative. Has given freedom to face challenges and cooperate on the cross. -Cultural creations. It has truly been an enriching journey.”
Unlike many festivals, Ruhaniyat encourages artists to step out of their comfort zone. He explains, “There are two types of platforms. One doesn’t need much experimentation – you perform and away you go. The second allows creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Spirituality belongs to the latter. This has enabled us to experiment with different languages and styles including Punjabi, English and Persian.
For Madan Gopal and his group, this freedom is a lifeline. He says his work is not just music – it is a dialogue that spans centuries, cultures and emotions.
Madan Gopal Singh (second from right) with Char Yaar group. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Mystic poet in modern perspective
At the heart of Madan Gopal’s repertoire are verses from mystic poets like Rumi, Bulleh Shah and Guru Nanak. His words, timeless and universal, take on new life under his thoughtful interpretation. “The works of mystical poets like Rumi resonate very well with today’s audiences,” he says. “For example, when I’m singing Rumi, I often connect it to John Lennon. Just look at the jump – Rumi is from the 13th century, and Lennon is from the 20th century. This interplay of texts over centuries adds depth to the music.
His affection for the 18th century Punjabi Sufi poet Bulleh Shah is particularly evident. “Bulleh Shah’s idea of love is attractive because it is inclusive, spanning multiple religions and even non-religious viewpoints. His rebellious spirit and his ability to challenge regressive ideas make him incredibly relevant today.”
But for him these exhibits are not mere historical explorations. “We revisit historical texts with our contemporary concerns, joys and questions. Our music addresses topics such as migration, ecology and multiplicity of languages, making it as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
Akbar Nizami Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
bridging generations
In an era when tradition often feels incompatible with modernity, Madan Gopal is optimistic about the younger generation’s engagement with mystical and folk traditions. “Today’s young generation is much stronger than it was 20 years ago,” he says. “Many are deeply interested in critical inquiry and are doing admirable work. Artists like Bindu Malini, Shabnam Virmani, Parvati Baul and groups like Raghu Dixit Project are not only producing music; They are creating resonance with cultural and historical relevance.
For Madan Gopal, music is more than an art; It is a tool to deal with the complexities of life. “First and foremost, I had to address my anxiety in order to connect with the larger concerns of life,” he says. “I do this as a musician, poet, thinker, writer and just a normal human being.”
On January 24 from 6.15 pm, at Jayamahal Palace Hotel Lawns. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.com. For media queries and further information, contact 9223231359 or write to office@banyantreeevents.com
published – January 22, 2025 04:47 PM IST
