Geetanjali International Foundation Hosts the 5th Edition of Sant Shiromani Surdas Mahotsav

The Geetanjali International Foundation proudly presented the 5th edition of the Sant Shiromani Surdas Mahotsav at the esteemed C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre. This grand celebration paid tribute to the 16th-century Bhakti poet Sant Surdas, blending Indian classical dance and music to

showcase the spiritual and artistic heritage of the revered saint.  

The evening began with a dynamic performance by Diksha Rawat and Karthika Unnikrishnan, disciples of renowned Kathak maestro Vidushi Uma Dogra. Their energetic and precise recital set the tone for an enchanting evening.  

The audience was then captivated by a mesmerizing solo presentation by Rani Khanam, accompanied by an illustrious ensemble of artists: Pranshu Chaturlal on tabla, Jaywardhan Dadhich on vocals, Nasir Khan on sarangi, and Nisha Kesari on padhant. Rani Khanam commenced her performance with Sant Surdas’s evocative bhajan:  “सुंदर बदन सुख सदन श्याम को, निरख नयन मन थाक्यो”  

This poignant composition narrated the tale of a devotee enraptured by Lord Krishna’s beauty and culminated in a vibrant Kathak rendition set to Taal Teentaal. The intricate interplay of tukde, tihai, paran, ladi, and jugalbandi left the audience spellbound.  

Renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Rama Vaidyanathan followed with a deeply emotive solo performance on a traditional Varnam, embodying **Sringar Bhakti. Through the narrative of a Nayika yearning for Lord Vishnu, her exquisite expressions of love, longing, and divine connection transported the audience into a realm of spiritual beauty.  

The evening’s highlight was a unique duet by Rama Vaidyanathan and Rani Khanam, interpreting a playful poem by Sant Surdas. The piece depicted two gopikas warning another about Krishna’s mischievous ways, cleverly likening him to a flirtatious bee. The artists’ nuanced movements and expressive storytelling brought out Surdas’s wit and devotional depth with seamless brilliance.  

The celebrations will continue on 6th January 2025 at Surdas Sadhna Sthali, Mathura, promising another spellbinding confluence of Indian classical art forms to honor the enduring contributions of Sant Surdas.  

Speaking about the festival, *Geetanjali Sharma, founder of the Mahotsav, shared, *“The Surdas Mahotsav is not just a festival—it is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless wisdom and devotion of Sant Surdas. Through the universal language of music and dance, we endeavor to bring his poetic legacy closer to audiences across generations. This Mahotsav celebrates India’s spiritual richness and seeks to inspire a deeper connection to our cultural roots.”  

This year’s festival was a resounding success, reaffirming the Geetanjali International Foundation’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.