MUSIC TO SOOTHE THE SOUL

“Mystic and 'Sufi' thoughts are interpreted and practiced in different ways at different parts of the world, and that is what makes this a celebration of cultural plurality,” Amitava Bhattacharya, the founder of the Sufi Sutra festival of Sufi and traditional music, caught the essence of the festival in a nutshell, on the opening night of Sufi Fest Dhaka 2015 on Tuesday. The festival featuring 12 artistes from seven countries – that practice the music and dance of mystic thoughts – was inaugurated shortly after by Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister for Cultural Affairs. “At a time of such political unrest, violence and turmoil, this is exactly what Dhaka needed right now,” he said. Praising Abul Khair (Chairman, Bengal Group) for his involvement in fantastic initiatives like the Bengal Classical Music Festival and EngageDhaka, the minister also expressed hopes that the music of peace and emancipation would change people's hearts for the better.

Arnob was the opening act of the festival, and along with Buno (on bass), Saad (on banjo), Karthik (cello and Swaraj), Pantha Kanai and Mithun (on percussion) and featuring Palki Ahmed (on vocal and guitar), the group presented an array of familiar music to a tepid audience. Beginning and closing with Rabindra Sangeet, they took turns in singing a number of Lalon songs in the middle, and Bhatiali. The use of esraj and cello on the one hand and guitar, banjo and swaraj, and two percussionists in tandem created some moments.

Sidi Goma, an Eastern-African tribe residing in India's Gujarat for centuries – presented their ritualistic performances next. The 12-piece ensemble sang, danced and played a host of percussions (from hand-drums to shakers) and Malunga, a one-stringed bow. The spirited, energetic display featured dances inspired from animals with zikr-like chants, and climaxed through breaking of coconut shells on their own heads.

Mechket, a Sufi group from Tunisia, was up next, and took the audience by surprise. Beginning slowly and roping the audience in before going expressive and open, the group's chant-like vocal performance along with typically Middle-Eastern sounding string instruments seemingly absorbed the spectators in.

Javed Ali, the Bollywood playback singer known for his sufiyana repertoire, was the final artiste of the night. He went on to perform his Sufi-themed hit soundtracks – including “Khwaja”, “Jashn-e-Bahara”, “Kun Faya Kun” and “Arziyan”.

While the ambiance was nice and cool and amenities were available, the sound engineering, stage and time management needed attention, said many festival-goers. Maybe the organisers will take the cue from them.

The second evening's performances yesterday included Rob Fakir and Shafi Mandal (Bangladesh), Arko Mukherjee (India) Mawlawyiah (Egypt) and Munnawar Masoom (India).

Performing tonight at SUFI FEST DHAKA