Latest news with #Bahar
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
South Indian actresses who made it big in Bollywood
Her cinematic journey began with Vaazhkai, in 1949 and also appeared in the Telugu film Jeevitham (a remake of Vaazhkai) in 1950, but she dominated the golden age of Hindi cinema after making her Bollywood debut with Bahar (1951).
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar: ‘Gharana characteristics help immensely in the process of learning music'
It was the concluding nightlong session of the 102nd Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in Varanasi, and the courtyard of the Sankat Mochan temple saw a constant flow of devotees. Would a classical soiree work in this busy, crowded environment, one thought. But Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, a deeply spiritual person, seemed unperturbed as he hummed a few swars to check the mic. He gave a brief but sharp glimpse of his choice with a hint of komal nishad and moved on to sing the slow Tilwada bandish with key-phrases based on the portrayal of Kedar, the abode of Shiva. The cajoling passages of behlawa, beautifully highlighted by Pt. Suresh Talwalkar's tabla was enough to draw the attention of even lay listeners. 'Kanha re, Nand-nandana', the popular chhota khayal, followed by a tarana, cast its spell. Before Ulhas Kashalkar could move on to close the recital with a bhajan, there were requests for a jod raag. Rightly so, because the vocalist does magic with Jod/Mishra/Sankeerna raags in which two or more raags move simultaneously. For example, Saanjh Swaravali (Saraoli), invented by Ustad Vilayat Khan, and premiered presented in Ulhas Kashalkar's voice, displayed almost all major raags of the evening. This makes it a Sankeerna (narrow) raag. The paucity of space sometimes results in the raags getting mangled if treated by an artiste lacking expertise. But, Ulhas Kashalkar made them appear like an aesthetically arranged bouquet of multi-hued flowers. Malkauns-Bahar came as a dual-coloured gift for his admirers — the lower half of the octave was dominated by Malkauns and the upper half by Bahar. There was no confusion, the transition was smooth. Malkauns is ponderous, powerful and regal while Bahar is restive, playful and light- hearted. But, like a well-adjusted couple, they existed together despite their diagonally opposite characters. Speaking after the concert about his method and approach when pairing raags that are poles apart, Ulhas Kashalkar said: 'The only method is familiarity with raags. We often talk about fusion, but very few pay heed to the requisites prior to trying out such exercises. I often sing Malkauns and Bahar in concerts. As individual raags, both have strong characters, yet together, they guide me to equally beautiful new ways. Getting familiar with the total structures of raags, along with their resting places, junctions and turning points, help open the fountainhead of a new challenging melody. In this case, the magical note was Madhyam, an important junction for both raags.' As someone who is a master of the Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra gharanas, each of which has its set of favourite raags, taals and compositions, does Ulhas Kashalkar mix gharana specialties for a thrilling innovation? 'I am a traditionalist. Gwalior excels in Alhaiya Bilawal, Hameer, Gaud Sarang, Chhayanat, Kedar, Kamod and Yaman and Bhairav. Jaipur specialises in Patmanjari, Khat, Sawani, Shuddh Nat, Nat ke Prakar and Anandi. This gharana is known for its 'Anwat' and Jod-raag preferences. Agra has a fondness for Dhanashri, Barwa, Jaijaiwanti, Nat Bihag and Lalita Gauri. It is not advisable to interchange the raags or their bandishes as all these styles have different approaches, taal-lay preferences and set patterns for embellished gayaki. The sanctity of each gharana should be guarded.' So, how does Ulhas Kashalkar define the sanctity of raags and gayakis? 'Purity is what the Gurus gave us. Gharana characteristics help immensely in the process of learning. The gharana lays the foundation; the rest can be added according to one's capability or limitation. For example, in Kirana gharana, the singing styles of Gangubai Hangal and Bhimsen Joshi are very different. Ustad Amir Khan added so much of his individual flourishes that his style became a different gharana! Gwalior seems to have experimented the most. We find such individualistic stamps of legends such as Omkarnath Thakur, Kumar Gandharva and DV Paluskar, among others. 'When I began my singing career, I sang the Gawlior, Jaipur and Agra gharanas the way I was taught. But, with time and maturity, I incorporated many changes in my own distinct way, and this brought all the three styles closer,' said the renowned vocalist.
Euronews
23-03-2025
- Euronews
Nowruz: The best New Year celebrations across Central Asia and beyond
Azerbaijan ADVERTISEMENT Novruz is an ancient traditional holiday which reflects and promotes cultural, national and spiritual values, folklore, and national identity of the Azerbaijani people. Novruz is a symbol of nature's rebirth, a symbol of fertility. It's widely celebrated in Azerbaijan as the symbol of winter's leaving and spring's coming, reports Euronews' Arzu Khalilova from Baku. Since restoring its independence, Azerbaijan has developed its historical past and rich traditions and national holidays, and Novruz started to be widely celebrated at state level as a national holiday. It's been marked across the entire sovereign territory of Azerbaijan for more than 30 years. A Nowruz celebration in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan Presidential Press and Information Office / CC licence The official celebration of Novruz holiday in Azerbaijan comes on March 21th - the beginning of the astronomical New Year. However, Azerbaijanis demonstratively celebrate it a month earlier. During four weeks before the holiday, a campfire is set on every Tuesday, and people, according to the tradition, must jump over the fire several times. Ilakhir Charshanba – the last Tuesday before the holiday is considered to be particularly important. This day is full of various ceremonial activities, which reflect the desire to provide well-being for family in the coming New year. The preparation for Novruz takes much time. Streets and squares are decorated, trees are planted, new clothes are sewed, eggs are coloured, sweets are prepared (shakarbura, pakhlava, etc.) Every house has certainly on the table samani (green sprouts of wheat) and khoncha - a tray with sweets, nuts, candies dried fruits etc. Young people and children also enjoy games such as dasmalatdi (throwing kerchief), shalsallama (shaking the shawl), gurshagatdi (throwing the belt) and gurshagsallama (shaking the belt). Kosa-Kosa, Chovgan (polo), Fincan-Fincan (cups), Gashig oyunu (game with spoons) and clashing eggs. Symbolic characters of Nowruz are manifested by Kechel, Kosa, and Bahar gizi (Spring girl). Their meanings are: The period prior to Nowruz is embodied by Kechel as well as to indicate the renewal of nature, the fertility symbol is Kosa, while landscaping of nature is represented by Bahar gizi. On this day, men as a traditional costume wear chokha (a long coat with a belt), a papakha (fur hat), and traditional boots. Women dress in silk or velvet dresses, often embroidered with gold or silver patterns, and wear headscarves or ornate headdresses with jewelry. These costumes add to the festive atmosphere of Novruz, showcasing the beauty of traditional craftsmanship while celebrating the arrival of spring. Kazakhstan Nowruz dancers in Astana, Kazakhstan. Ken and Nyetta / CC licence Kazakhs celebrate Nauryz, the spring equinox, as a pivotal moment in nature's renewal cycle—a profound blessing for nomads across the steppe, according to Euronews' Astana correspondent Botagoz Marabayeva. Historically, Nauryz carried deep significance, marking the earth's awakening and the long-awaited revival of grazing lands essential for nomadic survival. Enduring winter's scarcity was a testament to resilience, and simply reaching Nauryz signified continuity—both for households and bloodlines. Back in the nomadic era, people would leave the warmth of their yurts at this time, as the melting snow allowed them, and go to visit friends and family in other settlements. The first question was: 'How did you pass through the winter?' Related Kazakhstan's yurts: From nomadic shelters to modern eco-living innovations People no longer live in yurts in Kazakhstan but still wish to maintain close ties with their kin, and Nauryz presents just the right opportunity. Naturally, it is more visible in more rural regions than in the big cities. In the western region of Mangistau for instance, each tribe will erect a yurt and prepare a feast in it. All the tribal yurts will be next to each other. The elders will meet and exchange news and the youth will get to meet each other and soak in the traditional customs. Today, Kazakhstan celebrates Nauryz with even greater enthusiasm and turns it into a display of national unity. The festival, now a 10-day spectacle known as Nauryznama , begins on March 14 with Amal or Reunion Day, when people visit elders and exchange warm greetings. The festival culminates on March 21–22, transforming cities into vibrant celebrations of Kazakh culture with festive yurts, traditional feasts, nomadic sports, and artisan fairs. Turkey Fire jumping, the first festivity of the Nowruz, in Istanbul, Turkey. Bertilvidet~commonswiki / CC licence Nevruz, which means "new day," is celebrated in Türkiye around the spring equinox, typically on March 21. The ancient festival, which has its roots in Persian traditions, marks the arrival of spring. Nevruz is also important in that it symbolizes renewal, unity of people and dreams about the future. While it is not recognized as a national holiday in Türkiye, it holds the most significant cultural importance for the Kurdish and Alevi communities. The Nevruz is celebrated with vibrant festivities that bring people together to welcome the new season. One of the most iconic customs in Türkiye during Nevruz is the lighting of bonfires. People gather to jump over the flames, a symbolic act to leave behind negativity and embrace good fortune for the next year. Folk dances, poetry readings, and traditional music performances are also central to the celebrations, creating a lively and communal atmosphere. ADVERTISEMENT Nevruz in Türkiye also features unique culinary traditions. Families prepare special dishes, often using fresh, seasonal ingredients to honor the arrival of spring. Sharing food with loved ones is a key aspect of the celebration, emphasizing the themes of unity and renewal. Compared to other countries, Nevruz in Türkiye is less formalized but equally cheerful. While countries like Iran have official public holidays and rituals, celebrations in Türkiye are more community-driven and localized. The festival serves as a bridge between diverse cultural groups, highlighting shared heritage and fostering a sense of togetherness. ADVERTISEMENT For Turkish people, Nevruz is more than just a celebration of spring; it is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to new beginnings. Uzbekistan Uzbek girls in national costumes perform during festivities marking the holiday of Navruz in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Saturday, March 21, 2009. Anvar Ilyasov/AP In Uzbekistan, south of Kazakhstan, Nauryz—known locally as Navruz—is celebrated with great enthusiasm. A cherished tradition during this holiday is the preparation and sharing of sumalak, a thick, sweet dish made from sprouted wheat. The cooking process is a communal affair, with friends and family gathered around large cauldrons, taking turns stirring while making wishes for the year ahead. For Uzbeks, Navruz is a symbol of national heritage and cultural pride. Families visit relatives, and the streets burst into celebration with folk music, dance, and vibrant festivities. Traditional bakhshi musicians captivate audiences with epic storytelling songs, while dance troupes perform Uzbek folk dances like Lazgi, famous for its expressive movements. The lively beats of the doira (frame drum) and the melodies of the nay (a flute-like instrument) set the rhythm as people join in the celebrations. On this festive occasion, greetings of "Navruz mubarak!" or "Happy Navruz!" echo throughout the country, as people exchange warm wishes for prosperity and happiness. As Uzbekistan welcomes the new season, Navruz fosters a spirit of unity, renewal, and optimism, reminding all that every fresh start holds the promise of growth and joy. ADVERTISEMENT
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ramadan volunteers to give food to students
Volunteers will give out hundreds of food parcels to hungry students during Ramadan. Businessman Imran Bahar handed out more than 100 packages a day in Middlesbrough when he did the same thing last year, saying: "You can see in their eyes that [students] are struggling." The National Union of Students (NUS) said students "clearly need more money in their pockets" and that the number of students using food banks had doubled to 14%. The Department of Education said it was taking steps to offer more financial support to students. Mr Bahar said students in Middlesbrough town centre, especially those from other countries and poor backgrounds, were struggling to find work and to eat. "It's difficult for them to even find a job, there aren't enough jobs here," he said. He and his 11-year-old daughter Zaira handed out meals for three days a week during the religious period last year, and often gave out between 100 and120 packs a day. Mr Bahar said they had "massive queues" last year. "It kind of humbles you," he said, adding: "It shows how important food actually is." Ramadan is expected to begin on 28 February and will end on 30 March. What are Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan and how do Muslims mark them? NUS President Amira Campbell said students from working class and low-income backgrounds were "more likely to be going hungry and skipping meals". She said international students were only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week and received no maintenance support from the government. Student money expert at Save the Student Tom Allingham said no single institution could solve the problem. Its latest survey found 9% of respondents had used a food bank in the last 12 months. Mr Allingham said: "While this was down on the previous year, it's still far too high, and yet another indicator that the cost of living crisis is lingering on for students." Teesside University, whose main campus is in Middlesbrough, said it was actually seeing a decrease in the number of students accessing its existing support there and in the community. A university spokesperson said: "We recognise that across all sectors of society the cost of living crisis is having an impact, and applaud any efforts to help disadvantaged people and support community cohesion." A Department for Education spokesperson said the government would "fix the foundations of higher education to deliver change for students". They said maximum loans would be increased in line with inflation to support students with living costs. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. What is Eid al-Fitr and how do Muslims celebrate it? Students cut back on food as cost of living soars National Union of Students Save The Student Teesside University
BBC News
25-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Ramadan volunteers to give food to students
Volunteers will give out hundreds of food parcels to hungry students during Imran Bahar handed out more than 100 packages a day in Middlesbrough when he did the same thing last year, saying: "You can see in their eyes that [students] are struggling."The National Union of Students (NUS) said students "clearly need more money in their pockets" and that the number of students using food banks had doubled to 14%.The Department of Education said it was taking steps to offer more financial support to students. Mr Bahar said students in Middlesbrough town centre, especially those from other countries and poor backgrounds, were struggling to find work and to eat."It's difficult for them to even find a job, there aren't enough jobs here," he and his 11-year-old daughter Zaira handed out meals for three days a week during the religious period last year, and often gave out between 100 and120 packs a day. Mr Bahar said they had "massive queues" last year."It kind of humbles you," he said, adding: "It shows how important food actually is."Ramadan is expected to begin on 28 February and will end on 30 are Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan and how do Muslims mark them? NUS President Amira Campbell said students from working class and low-income backgrounds were "more likely to be going hungry and skipping meals".She said international students were only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week and received no maintenance support from the money expert at Save the Student Tom Allingham said no single institution could solve the latest survey found 9% of respondents had used a food bank in the last 12 Allingham said: "While this was down on the previous year, it's still far too high, and yet another indicator that the cost of living crisis is lingering on for students."Teesside University, whose main campus is in Middlesbrough, said it was actually seeing a decrease in the number of students accessing its existing support there and in the community.A university spokesperson said: "We recognise that across all sectors of society the cost of living crisis is having an impact, and applaud any efforts to help disadvantaged people and support community cohesion."A Department for Education spokesperson said the government would "fix the foundations of higher education to deliver change for students". They said maximum loans would be increased in line with inflation to support students with living costs. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
