Pune: Four Generations of Melodious Flute Playing Enthralled Music Lovers

Pune, 18th March 2025: The unique musical festival ‘Bansuri Parampara’ (Flute Tradition), conceptualized by Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, the esteemed senior disciple of world-renowned flautist Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, showcased the melodious sounds of the flute through the performances of four generations of artists. The ensemble included 80 artists, ranging from 9 to 75 years of age.

In the realm of Indian classical music, the Guru-Shishya tradition is vital for passing down knowledge. Every Guru finds joy in witnessing their disciple’s progress and experiences the lasting satisfaction of knowing that this knowledge will be seamlessly transmitted to the next generation. Through the ‘Bansuri Parampara’ festival, Pune’s music enthusiasts experienced the unbroken lineage of flute playing, finding their hearts filled with contentment. The festival also provided a
unique opportunity for disciples to perform alongside their Gurus. The two-day festival was organized by Pandit Rupak Kulkarni Music Foundation and Mrugendra Mohadkar’s Blissful Winds Foundation at The Poona Western Club, Bhugaon.

The highlight of the ‘Bansuri Parampara’ festival was the flute duet by world-renowned flautist Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and his senior disciple Pandit Rupak Kulkarni. The program commenced with a flute ensemble by Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, his senior disciples, and the next generation of disciples, depicting the unfolding shades of the seasonal cycle.

Indian classical music beautifully intertwines Ragas (melodic frameworks) and seasons. The changing forms of human emotions, as per the seasons, were effectively portrayed through this musical expression. The presentation of the spring season featured Raga Hindol, symbolizing love, joy, and new beginnings. The scorching heat of summer was depicted by the artists through Raga Vrundavani Sarang.

Subsequently, Pandit Rupak Kulkarni’s composition, a unique blend of Ragas Miyan Malhar and Megh Malhar, musically depicted the joyous arrival of the monsoon season. The serene and pleasant emotions of autumn were portrayed through a beautiful composition in Raga Natbhairav. The essence of the Hemant season was artistically presented through Raga Yaman. Finally, the winter season was musically depicted through the enchanting Raga Kirvani, captivating the audience.

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pandit Rupak Kulkarni concluded their performance with a Thumri, a lyrical piece based on Raga Khamaj, prompting the audience to give a standing ovation as a tribute to the legendary Panditji. The audience showered their appreciation with thunderous applause, witnessing the blossoming disciples under the guidance of their Guru. Pandit Arvindkumar Azad (Tabla), Saurabh Gulwani (Base Tabla), and Shantanu Pandey (Keyboard) provided adept
accompaniment.

On the first day of the festival, Tanishq Arora presented a vocal recital, followed by a flute duet by Mrugendra Mohadkar and Jaikishan Hingu. The first day concluded with a vocal performance by renowned singer Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar. The artists were accompanied by Pandit Bharat Kamat, Dipin Das, Sapan Anjaria (Tabla), Suyog Kundalkar, and Akash Naik (Harmonium).

“The relationship between loving notes and the heart brings joy to the mind”: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

Expressing his satisfaction upon seeing a large number of disciples on stage, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia said that it is a matter of great joy to see these children, born in the soil of Maharashtra, acquiring knowledge in all fields of art in an excellent manner. He expressed his desire to attend the festival next year and wished that every Pune resident present should have a flute in their hand. Pleased by the performance of his disciples, Panditji expressed his feelings in the words, “The relationship between loving notes and the heart brings joy to the mind.”