Latest news with #Vidarbha-level
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
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
City To Host First-Ever Khanjiri Bhajan Contest From July 15-18
Nagpur: The city is set to witness a unique musical milestone as it hosts the first-ever competitive Khanjiri Bhajan Contest this week, bringing to the stage the vibrant devotional art form closely associated with Vidarbha's spiritual and cultural ethos. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Organised under the banner of Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee, Vidarbha-level Khanjiri Bhajan competition will be held on July 16 and 17 at Santaji Sabhagruh in Sakkardara, starting each day from 8am. The grand finale is scheduled for July 18, culminating in a prize distribution ceremony to be presided over by Union minister Nitin Gadkari. The contest seeks to revive and celebrate the tradition of Khanjiri Bhajan — devotional singing accompanied by the small, handheld percussion instrument called khanjiri. This folk art form gained prominence through the legacy of Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj, whose stirring bhajans were not only expressions of faith but also vehicles for social reform and national awakening. His performances with the khanjiri inspired countless followers, embedding this art deeply into Vidarbha's cultural fabric. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Prof Anil Sole, president of the Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee, said the event will not only showcase musical talent but also echo the social reform messages of Tukdoji Maharaj's compositions. "Participating groups are required to perform two bhajans — based on traditional tunes and themes of social awakening and patriotism — within a time limit of 12 minutes," said Sole. The event's inaugural session will be graced by officials and dignitaries from various cultural and religious organisations, including representatives from Gurukunj Mozari's Akhil Bharatiya Gurudev Seva Mandal, Achyut Maharaj Seva Sansthan, and Nagpur University scholars. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now BOX What is Khanjiri Bhajan? Khanjiri Bhajan is a vibrant form of devotional singing performed with the khanjiri — a small, handheld frame drum that produces a rhythmic, sharp sound. This art form blends soulful lyrics, folk melodies, and dynamic percussion, creating a lively atmosphere of devotion and social awareness. In Vidarbha, Khanjiri Bhajan rose to prominence through the legendary Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj, who used it as a powerful medium to spread messages of social reform, patriotism, and spiritual awakening among the masses. Khanjiri goes for the competition 283: Total Bhajan groups 59 from Nagpur 124 from other parts of Vidarbha Rs 1 lakh: First prize Rs 71,000: Second prize Rs 51,000: Third prize ₹5,000 each to 10 groups as consolation prizes
