| |
|
American Kirtan
|
| |
|
One Sunday evening having finished my schedule of work, I felt I
deserved a break. My options are limited: being unable to step out I
turn either to my world satellite radio channel Maestro for classical
western music or the television. Since my mornings usually begin with
Maestro, I take the second option. I find most channels a bore: they
largely have songs, bhangra-type dancing or pravachans (sermons) by
self-styled jagad gurus (world teachers) who have nothing new to say.
|
| |
|
I try the Gurbani channel giving live programmes from the Golden
Temple without interruptions of commercials. If the kirtan is
melodious, I relax and listen to it for an hour. If it is not, I try
other channels. Usually, I end up switching off the TV and returning
to my books.
|
| |
|
I was going through the drill when I was arrested by a deep,
melodious voice starting with the invocation Dandaut Vandana Anik
baar. I had not heard such a rich voice for a long time. When the
camera focused on the raagis, I was foxed. They were goras (white
men) with blond or brown beards wearing blue or white turbans. Not a
flaw in the pronunciation of words. There was not a false note in the
raga in which they were rendering it.
|
|
|
I could not identify them as the channel never reveals the names of
raagis in print. When the camera focused on women's section of the
audience, I noticed many white women in white turbans. I realised
they were the American followers of Yogi Bhajan. I was profoundly
impressed. Even when it comes to Gurbani, Americans can do more than
match the best of our own established raagis.
|
|
|
Source: www.tribuneindia.com
|
| |
|
|
|