Two great events

Well, it was wonderful to have my friend Dr Binapani Mahato in London. She came to give a lecture and perform at SOAS, seminars and recordings at the AMC on the jhumur songs and Chhau dances from Rarh. So something I only hoped and imagined could happen, actually did, so that others may come to know a little about this ancient music and dance culture. I was so happy to be part of organising this event which was inspired by P.R Sarkars writings on Rarh and life long patronage. Binapaniji's lectures were very informative and delivered with such clarity and depth of knowledge. This event was also significant because it was the first time a professor from Rarh has come to London to share the beauty and depth of Rarh jhumur songs.

After her departure I went to the Ananda Mela in Brisbane which was also wonderful. Performing some devotional and social songs on the first night with other artists Lokesh, Maetrayii, Liila, Dada and Shyamanii was really special. During the festival I lead the Community Choir and as it was the 25th Anniversary of Prabhat Samgiita we sang two songs from this Collection and English kirtan song. I really believe that the Mela is a very unique festival with its combination of different workshops given by leading experts in their fields as well as spiritual practices such as kirtan, meditation and yoga.

Now I am at Janakii's beautiful house in Sydney with two huge eucalyptus trees out front and a swimming pool out back, and its so lovely to catch up with her and other really good friends. Tomorrow we will fly to NZ to see my family and old friends that I have truly missed.
with love,
Jyoshna