Bihar’s ‘Shanibahar’ Showcases Budding Talent in Music and Dance in Patna

Patna: Patna’s cultural enthusiasts were treated to a vibrant evening of music as the Shanibahar programme, jointly organised by Bihar’s Department of Art, Culture and Youth and Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, showcased emerging talent. The event, held at the Concert Hall, Multipurpose Cultural Complex on Fraser Road, has been providing a platform to budding artists for the past decade.

The evening opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Deputy Secretary-cum-Administrative Officer Sushant Kumar, along with teachers Vinod Pathak, Ashok Kumar Prasad, and Manoranjan Ojha, alongside the participating artists.

Gold medalist Udayan Jha commenced the performances with a stirring classical recital of Raag Jog Kosh. His soulful rendition of Thumri, particularly “Rang Saari Gulaabi Chunariyan Re,” moved the audience, creating a serene and devotional atmosphere. A seasoned performer, Udayan has previously showcased his talents before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on the Indian Idol stage. He was accompanied by Aryav Shankar on tabla and Suraj Kumar on harmonium.

Juhi Kumari followed with an electrifying display of Bihar’s folk music traditions. Her energetic rendition of “Beech Phulwariyan, Nazariya Ladal Ram Se” and heartfelt performance of “Ram Ji Se Puchhe Janakpur Ke Naari” captured the cultural essence of the region. Her set, which included Jhumar and Purvi classics like “Paaniyan Ke Jahaj Se Paltaniyaan Baniyaha Piya” and “Angoori Mein Dashle Naginiyan Re Nandi,” was met with applause and cheers. Juhi was supported by Shantanu Roy on tabla, Prince Pandey on dholak, Anand on banjo, Ratnesh on keyboard, and Chhotelal on jhaal.

Ghazal and bhajan artist Sambhav Sinha brought the evening to a soulful close. A performer on Doordarshan’s Udaan, Sambhav began with the bhajan “Kanhaiya Yaadein Hai Kuch Hamari,” followed by the timeless “Hamari Attariyan Par Aaja Re Sawariyan” and Thumri “Yaad Piya Ki Aaye.” His deep, resonant delivery left a lasting impression. Ayush Anand accompanied him on tabla.

The programme drew a large audience, who warmly appreciated the performers and lauded the effort to promote Bihar’s cultural heritage. The Shanibahar initiative, with its focus on nurturing young artists, continues to inspire the next generation of musicians and cultural enthusiasts.

Art lovers expressed their hope that such programmes would remain a regular feature, celebrating and preserving the artistic traditions of Bihar.