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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