Latest news with #KhanjiriBhajanCompetition
Time of India
18-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tukdoji Maharaj Instilled Patriotism Through Bhajans: Gadkari
1 2 Nagpur: "Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj awakened rural India through bhajans and kindled a spirit of patriotism that helped rebuild the nation," said Union minister Nitin Gadkari , while addressing the grand finale of the first-ever Vidarbha-level Khanjiri Bhajan Competition at Suresh Bhat Hall on Friday. Gadkari emphasised that Tukdoji Maharaj's legacy must reach the new generation using modern technology. "Tukdoji Maharaj's compositions were never meant for mere entertainment. They are tools for transformation. Maharaj promoted ideals of sanitation, rural development, and national identity through his bhajans. This thought must not remain in words, but be translated into action," he said, urging youth and universities to keep the tradition alive. The contest, organised by the Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee, concluded on Friday. A total of 271 bhajan groups participated in the preliminary rounds held over two days earlier this week, out of which 21 teams were selected for the final round. The top prize of ₹1 lakh was awarded to the Swara Gurukunj Bhajan Mandal from Gurukunj Ashram, Mozari, the very place associated with Tukdoji Maharaj's spiritual mission. Adarsh Gurudev Seva Mandal, Nimgaon (Chandur Railway) won second prize of Rs 71,000 while the third prize of Rs 51,000 went to Sarthak Gurudev Seva Mandal, Hastapur Babhulgaon. Revered Jitendranath Maharaj of Devnath Math (Anjangao Surji) praised the initiative, saying, "Vidarbha is blessed to have saints like Gurudev. Bhajans inspire ideals and valour, and Nitin Gadkari is carrying forward that spiritual legacy." Spiritual leaders present at the event echoed the cultural and moral significance of bhajans. "Tukdoji Maharaj often composed bhajans during train journeys. These compositions are nourishment for the soul," said Janardanpant Bothe Guruji of Akhil Bharatiya Gurudev Seva Mandal. Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee president Prof Anil Sole noted that the event aimed to promote Tukdoji Maharaj's thoughts and foster community bonding through music. BOX Prize Winners List: 1st prize (Rs 1 lakh): Swara Gurukunj Bhajan Mandal from Gurukunj Ashram, Mozari 2nd prize (Rs 71,000): Adarsh Gurudev Seva Mandal, Nimgaon (Chandur Railway) 3rd prize (Rs 51,000): Sarthak Gurudev Seva Mandal, Hastapur, Babhulgaon 4th Prize (Rs 41,000): Gurudev Manavseva Chatralaya, Mozari 5th Prize (Rs 31,000): Akhil Bharatiya Gurudev Seva Mandal, Hirapur-Bothali (Chandrapur) 6th Prize (Rs 21,000): Jai Walekar Mauli Bhajan Mandal, Khamgaon 7th Prize (Rs 11,000): Gurumauli Bhajan Mandal, Sahur-Ashti Consolation awards of Rs 5,000 each were presented to 14 groups from various towns including Nagpur, Sakoli, Arjuni Morgaon, Kalmeshwar, and Ralegaon.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Khanjiri bhajan contest resonates with devotion and patriotism
1 2 Nagpur: The spiritual and traditional rhythms of Vidarbha echoed powerfully over the past two days as more than 270 devotional singing groups participated in the region's first-ever Khanjiri Bhajan Competition. It was hosted in Nagpur under the Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee. The preliminary rounds, held on July 16 and 17 at Santaji Sabhagruh in Sakkardara, drew immense enthusiasm from teams across the region, each delivering stirring performances rooted in the legacy of Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj. On Thursday, the selection committee announced 21 teams that will now compete in the grand finale at Suresh Bhat Auditorium, between 11.30am and 4.30pm on July 18. The prize distribution ceremony will follow at 5.30 pm, where Union minister Nitin Gadkari will honour the winners. Dignitaries including Jitendranath Maharaj of Anjangao Surji's Devnath Math and Janardanpant Bothe Guruji of Akhil Bharatiya Gurudev Seva Mandal will also attend. The Khanjiri Bhajan Contest is a first-of-its-kind competitive platform for this unique art form that blends music, rhythm, and social messaging. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Participants were required to present two bhajans each—based on traditional compositions of Tukdoji Maharaj, and themed on social awakening and patriotism—within a time limit of 12 minutes. Each performance revolved around the use of the khanjiri, a handheld percussion instrument that forms the rhythmic backbone of this folk devotional music. Deeply rooted in Vidarbha's spiritual heritage, Khanjiri Bhajan was popularised by Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj, who used it as a medium to communicate powerful messages of national unity, social reform, and inner awakening. His musical legacy continues to inspire generations across Maharashtra. Despite the large turnout, the contest was well-organised by the Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee under the leadership of Prof. Anil Sole, with active involvement from cultural organisations like the Gurudev Seva Mandal. Committee members and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth conduct of the two-day preliminary rounds.
