In 2006, the Darbar Festival featured eminent vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty in two sessions. The first recital was a pure Hindustani classical presentation. However, the multi-talented Pandit Chakraborty left his audiences asking for more – the second presentation had to be a showcase of his semi-classical avatar of which he commands followership from a huge section of his listeners for his deep knowledge, expertise and experience on the subject.

In this video, he sings the concluding song of his recital. He chooses a shabad - ‘Kahun Geet Ke Gawaiya’ - a composition of the 10th Sikh spiritual leader, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708). Shabads are sacred hymns from the principal Sikh holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib that narrate spiritual and humanistic teachings of the ten Sikh gurus.

Pandit Chakraborty weaves the kirtan into a beautiful framework of Mishra Piloo. His tranquil and soulful portrayal of these verses that convey the universal message of brotherhood, sparks awe and wonder. He maintains a slow-paced, even tempo throughout this performance that conjures with these devotional verses, creating a palpably calming aura of reverence and gratitude.

Pandit Chakraborty is accompanied by Pandit Subhankar Banerjee in this recital – a stunning and one of world’s best tabla players whom we lost to COVID in 2021. Banerjee’s blithe support and potent texturing of bols and thekas are inextricably woven with Pandit Chakraborty’s melodic extensions.

Chiranjib Chakraborty, who is also a disciple of Pandit Chakraborty, proves his worth with his commendable support on the harmonium.

Musicians
Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty (khayal)
Chiranjib Chakraborty (harmonium)
Subhankar Banerjee (tabla)
Kaviraj Singh (tanpura)