Panaji: The Monte Chapel at Old Goa will become a meeting ground for India’s deep-rooted folk traditions on Saturday, as artistes from Kutch, Rajasthan and Assam come together on one stage in a performance titled ‘Roots: The Sound of India’, guided by classical musician Asad Khan.A torch-bearer of the Mewati gharana of Indian classical music, Khan has curated a collaboration with folk musicians drawn from different regions and traditions.From Kutch comes renowned folk musician Dana Bharmal, performing on the santaar, an ancient and rarely heard string instrument native to the region. Rajasthan is represented through folk artistes skilled in traditional percussion and vocal forms, playing instruments such as the khartal and bhapang. Completing the triad is a folk musician from Assam, bringing Assamese melodies and rhythms into the mix.“These are not just performers. They are carriers of living traditions who come from very rural backgrounds, yet many of them travelled the world, playing at global festivals,” he said.The ensemble also includes classical elements — Khan himself on sitar and vocals, tabla accompaniment, and a keyboardist trained in Western harmony.Khan believed Goa was the ideal place for such an experiment. “Goa has a very big heart with its different cultures, yet people are united. The Goan audience is willing to listen, to accept something new, whether it’s folk, classical or experimental,” he said.
