‘Bolava Vitthal’ celebrates the songs of the minstrels

Mumbai-based Pancham Nishad, presents Bolava Vitthal, a concert series that celebrates abhang and Varkari Bhakti tradition, in Bengaluru featuring Anand Bhate, Mugdha Vaishampayan and Prathamesh Laghate. They will be accompanied by Padhye (tabla), Sukhad Munde (pakhawaj), Aditya Oke (harmonium), Shadaj Godkhindi (flute) and Suryakant Surve (additional rhythms). 

Anand Bhate
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Special Arrangement

Bolava Vitthal is the brainchild of Shashi Vyas. “I belong to a family of musicians and felt drawn to do something for the world of classical music and founded Pancham Nishad in 1996,” says Shashi, who is the son of legendary Hindustani vocalist and composer C.R. Vyas and brother of vocalist Suhas Vyas and santoor artiste Satish Vyas.

Shashi began curating Bolava Vitthal in 2006. The annual event is conducted in several cities around the country. The Bengaluru segment of the 2025 edition will feature young and talented couple Mugdha and Prathamesh. Talking about the singers, Shashi says, “While Mugdha and Prathamesh are also into Dasavani; Anand is the torchbearer of the Gandharva tradition. He was just 10 when he sang the songs of Balgandharva (famous Marathi singer and stage actor). Anand even gave up his profession as a software engineer to pursue music and underwent training under the inimitable Bhimsen Joshi.”

Prathamesh Laghate
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According to Anand, “’Bolava Vitthal’ is not just a concert; it is an emotional offering. When I sing abhangs penned by revered saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, or Namdev, I feel as though I am part of a centuries-old conversation with the divine.”

Mugdha Vaishampayan
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Mugdha Vaishampayan, who is delighted to be part of this musical yatra, shares that she loves the energy that audiences in Bengaluru bring to a concert by their presence and appreciation. “To be a part of a show dedicated to abhangs feels special. It allows you to understand the emotions in the lyrics and reflect on life and humanity,” she says. Prathamesh, known for his deep emotional connection with Marathi poetry, adds, “singing abhangs is an immersive experience. These compositions are not just about swar, taal and laya, they contain a deeper philosophy. To get an opportunity to do a whole programme on abhang is nothing short of a blessing.”

Bolava Vitthal  is on June 27, 6.30 p.m. at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru. Tickets on BookMyShow