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Thumri legend Girja Devi blesses disciple Malini
THUMRI LEGEND and Padam Vibhushan Girja Devi tied sacred thread on her disciple, semi-classical singer Malani Avasthi at ?Ganda Bhandhan? ceremony on Wednesday evening.
THUMRI LEGEND and Padam Vibhushan Girja Devi tied sacred thread on her disciple, semi-classical singer Malani Avasthi at ‘Ganda Bhandhan’ ceremony on Wednesday evening.
Though it was after a decade the renowned thumri singer once again wished to announce the name of her disciple who could carry forward her musical advise to the masses. And Wednesday was chosen for Malani Avasthi who has learnt music under her for the last eight years when her husband was posted as district magistrate of Varanasi.
Ganda Bhandan, can be called a convocation ceremony where students are given degrees. But, unlike convocation ceremonies, Ganda Bhandhan is a unique ceremony in musical terminology. It generates a feeling more than a blood relation between a guru (teacher) and shishya (student).
The Gandha Bandhan ceremony began only after Avasthi’s splendid performance before a select audience at Sanjay Nagar residence of Girja Devi.
The performance was witnessed by Padam Vibhushan and tabla maestro Kishen Maharaj, Sajan Mishra, renowned singer besides divisional commissioner of Varanasi CN Dubey and many officers from the district administration.
It was emotional to watch Girja Devi tying the sacred thread on Avasthi left wrist. Avasthi gave guru dakshina to her guru who showered blessings on her.
“I am extremely happy to have tied this sacred thread on Malani Avasthi who deserved this for her dedication and sincerity in the musical field and her understanding the guru-shishya relation,” Girja Devi said.
“Ganda Bhandan is a rare occasion in shishya’s life. I am happy that Aapa Ji (Girja Devi) has found me capable,” Avasthi said, adding, ‘this means shouldering the new responsibility which I would try to fulfill in my life and walk on the path shown by Aapa ji’.
