This year, the 8th edition of Sur Jahan opened with a very musical all-Bengal art forms ensemble that set the mood for the upcoming programs.
Sur Jahan (previous name Sufi Sutra) is an annual three-day World Peace Music Festival with the motto ‘Music for Peace, Music for All’. It was held in Kolkata at Mohar Kunj on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th February. It was a non-commercial, non-ticketed festival and the format included 1 daytime workshop and 1 evening concert for each of the participating international bands.
There were five international music groups who performed in Sur Jahan 2018, one was led by WOMEX Lifetime Award winner Cheikh Lo of Senegal. The other teams included the globally acclaimed Ethiopian and Italian fusion folk band Atse Tewodros Project, Hungary’s renowned folk music team Muzsikas, Muzykanci of Poland, and Tuuletar, an all-women band of Finland named after the Finish Goddess of the Wind. Sharing stage with them were especially groomed bands representing Folk Music of Bengal.
“Music for Peace, Music for All” being the motto of Sur Jahan was a celebration of cultural diversity, and facilitated exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences, which bridged the minds and spread the culture of knowledge, understanding and tolerance. The language of music connected all present though the lyrics were not understood by all and the diverse musical instruments were a treat to music lovers. It not only touched the hearts of all but a young group could not resist dancing to it from start to finish at the side of the stage.
For those who have missed Sur Jahan in Kolkata, you can book your calendar for the upcoming Sur Jahan which will be held in Goa from the 7-9th February. (See www.banglanatak.com).