The much-awaited annual mega festival of the Fine Arts Society, Chembur— Indradhanush Mahotsav 2022, was successfully held in March/April this year in Mumbai. It heralded a ‘welcome back to the auditorium’ feel, as it happened after a twoyear hiatus due to the pandemic restrictions. 

The five-day festival this year, well supported by many sponsors, was spread over two consecutive weekends. True to its name, the Indradhanush Mahotsav wove a unique rainbow hue with a galaxy of top artists performing to a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The festival attracted excellent footfall that created the much-needed positive aura for the performing artists.

In the first leg of the festival – 25 to 27 March, eminent artists graced the Sivaswamy Auditorium, adding colours of joy. On the inaugural day, the festival began on an auspicious note, with the ceremonial lamp being lit by the chief guest R. Chidambaram, Former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Eminent Hindustani vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi enthralled the audience with his music. On the next day, yet another maestro— Pankaj Udhas mesmerised the crowd with the soulful rendering of his much-loved music. The evening of 27 March featured a beautiful Bharatanatyam performance by the eminent Leela Samson and her Spanda Dance Company; they held the audience spellbound with their graceful performances.

Renowned artists Sanjeev Abhyankar and Abhishek Raghuram engaged in a delightful jugalbandi, beautifully blending the nuances of Hindustani and Carnatic vocal music on 1 April. As Sanjeev Abhyankar mentioned, it was unity in diversity in action. The brilliant support by the accompanying artists added special effects to the engrossing jugalbandi. 

The Indradhanush Mahotsav concluded on 3 April with the popular Siddharth Entertainers’ Hindi light music. The magical old melodies added special charm and excitement, providing a fitting finale to the five-day music and dance extravaganza organised by the Fine Arts Society.

A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT