Navratri: Vermillion, victory, and vocal mastery

Read how master musicians from Tansen to Pandit Jasraj have channeled Ma Durga's fierce compassion into ragas that resonate with her victory over darkness. She inspired an epic rock album cover too.

Durga is synonymous with ferocity, festivities, the color red, and Navratri (नवरात्रि). Sometimes also referred to as Nava-Durga, to represent the nine forms of Durga. Navratri celebrates the recurring victory of good over evil. By defeating Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon, Durga restored peace to the lands that he had terrorized.

Ravanaphadi, Durga spearing a buffalo-headed Mahishasura - 6th Century temple relief at Aihole, Karnataka

An urban legend I had learned in school was that the women who cosplayed Durga in Kolkata’s famous Pujo would use Vermillion in place of blood to re-enact the Vadh (slaying). Thanks to statues, paintings, cable television, and, more recently, YouTube, Durga and her imagery have become iconic in the Indian psyche.

It’s not surprising that it also inspired one of the most iconic logos of the 20th century. “It was a fit for its anti-authoritarian bent”, said the designer of the logo. Sorry, you cannot unsee it now.

It is a time of festivities for Indians and Hindus worldwide. This is the highlight of the Bengali community calendar; Durga Pujo camps will already be in full swing, with a wide range of religious celebrations complemented by a cultural repertoire, featuring performances by local and visiting musicians and dancers. Gujarati community celebrates with Navratri and dancing.

There are several books' worth of material about Durga, penned over millennia, and many are poems which remain alive in people imagination through songs - as bhajans, Sadra, or as folk (lokgeet) music. Here are some of my favorite songs about Durga, looking purely from the lens of a classical musician.

Some of my favorite Classical songs about Durga

Starting with my father’s favorite, Bhavani Jagat Janani by Bhimsenji in Raag Miya ki Todi. Perfect for those reading this during the day. You cannot forget Bhimsenji after listening to this performance. The composition, credited to Tansen, is electric, and the thaans are something else altogether. It’s as ferocious yet surprisingly dainty in ways resembling Ma Durga’s image. I’m going with the theme of students covering their teacher’s compositions, so hear this version by Anand Bhateji.

Bhavani Jagat Janani in Raag Miya Ki Todi

Next, the iconic Sangeet Marthaand Pt Jasrajji’s celebrated song, Maata Kaalika in Raag Adana. Here’s a recently uploaded version of Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar and students singing this tribute. Here’s the original version for those longing to hear Panditji’s voice. Perfect for people reading this in the evening.

There’s no world where Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma would not be in my top 3. All credits to Bhimsenji for popularizing this version of the song. The Carnatic version is very catchy, so to create your own version that stands out is nothing short of legendary. In line with the students’ theme, here are Pt. Jayatheerth Mevundi and Pt. Pravin Godkindi covering this legendary composition.

Thank you for reading and listening. Wish you a happy Navaratri or Dasara, and start counting down the days till Diwali.

Parting note: Sangeethaamsha’s Fall Fundraiser

Our non-profit, Sangeethaamsha, organized its Fall concert, featuring several fantastic musicians, at the India Community Center in Milpitas. It was a memorable evening featuring two power-packed performances by Smt. Anupama Bhagwatji on the Sitar and Smt. Shubhangi Sakhalkarji on vocals, accompanied by some masterful accompaniments. Listeners were treated to Raags like Sham Kalyan, Bhimpalas, Durga, and more.

What else can I listen to in fall?

Here’s what else you can listen to in Fall. During the mornings, listen to Bhairav. Late mornings are perfect to soak in the depths of Bhairav or Todi.

Hamsadhwani is great at all times, and this composition by Ustad Amir Khan about Ma Durga is highly appropriate for this time of the year. Some say Shree is what you should listen to, and others say Malkauns is perfect for cold wintery mornings.