Patiala:- Under the Patiala Heritage Mela-2026, classical singer Raunkini Gupta enchanted the audience with classical singing at the open courtyard of the Durbar Hall of the Heritage Fort Mubarak today. While the unique performance of Chaugulbandi took this evening to its peak.
MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Harchand Singh Burst, Municipal Corporation Mayor Kundan Gogia and District Planning Committee Chairman Tejinder Mehta were also present on this occasion. On this occasion, the Deputy Commissioner inaugurated this festival by lighting the lamp brought forward by torch from the centuries-old light coming from the Heritage Fort Mubarak.
On this occasion, renowned Indian classical singer Raunkini Gupta performed three of her own compositions in Raag Kedar, Vilambit Khyal, 'Ab Mano Mori Baat, Madhya Lai Rupak Taal, 'Kanganwa Baje Mora', and another Tarana in Aara Chautal.
She impressed the audience with her enchanting rendition of Raag Bhimpalasi, Chota Khyal in Teen Taal, 'Dekho Bijuriya' and Tarana 'O De Taana Na' composed by her teacher Abdul Rashid Khan Sahab in Jhapatal. She was accompanied by Ashish Raghwani on tabla and Tanmay Mestri on harmonium. These artists said that they were very happy that they had come to Patiala, the city of Raags, and had sung something today.
In this second performance of classical music, sitarist Anupama Bhagwat and sarodist Debsmita Bhattacharya joined forces in a rare melodious fusion of classical music, with Pandit Abhishek Mishra's tabla playing and Abhishek Avadhani's mridangam mesmerizing the audience.
The chogalbandi began with an alap in raga jog, followed by compositions set to teental, showcasing an interesting dialogue between the two melodious instruments. While the presence of tabla and mridangam added a unique rhythmic dimension, tying the time together, bringing Hindustani and Carnatic percussion traditions into one rhythm.
On this occasion, Tania Bains, ADC Simarpreet Kaur, SP Palwinder Singh Cheema, SDMs Naman Markan, Harjot Kaur Mavi, Chief Minister's Field Officer Satish Chandra, along with a large number of Patiala residents and music lovers participated and enjoyed this evening.