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Rahul Deshpande's Abhangawari: Nagpur Feels Pandharpur's Devotion
12 Jul
Summary
- Concert recreated devotional fervor of Ashadhi Wari with saint-poet verses.
- Rahul Deshpande's tour aims to carry Bhakti tradition beyond state borders.
- Nagpur concert evokes spirit of Pandharpur pilgrimage for local audience.
On Sunday evening, Nagpur became a spiritual home for the journey to Pandharpur. The Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium resonated with chants of "Ram Krishna Hari" as vocalist Rahul Deshpande's "Abhangawari" concert evoked the devotional spirit of the Ashadhi Wari. Deshpande guided the audience through a musical pilgrimage, presenting verses from revered Maharashtra saint-poets.
The performance seamlessly integrated Hindustani classical music with timeless Marathi poetry. Deshpande showcased compositions by various saint-poets, including familiar favorites that prompted enthusiastic audience participation. The evening culminated in a collective "Vitthal gajar," echoing the atmosphere of the annual pilgrimage.
Nagpur holds significance for Deshpande, having hosted his first public performance at age 11. The city's connection is further deepened by his grandfather, Vasantrao Deshpande, having childhood ties to the region.
This concert marked the eighth stop of "Abhangawari 2026," Rahul Deshpande's ambitious 13-city tour. Launched last month, the tour is dedicated to extending Maharashtra's Bhakti tradition beyond the state's boundaries, with future performances scheduled in several major Indian cities.
