Page 50 - Seniors Today - Jan25 Issues

On another evening young ghazal and sufi
singer Pooja Gaitonde enthralled us with her
soulful voice.

Young Ghazal and Sufi Singer Pooja Gaitonde
to my mind - with Indian ladies veering
away from dressing in sarees, we have to
make sure this art does not die.
Young Ghazal and Sufi Singer Pooja Gaitonde
The pinnacle of the cruise was the privilege
of listening to the legendary sitar maestro
Ustad Shujaat Khan – twice. Once, his
mesmerising strings filled the evening air
and the next time his music accompanied
the serene morning. As we gently floated
down the Ganga, the rising sun painted the
eastern sky in hues of gold, its light dancing
on the river’s surface, while the strains of
the sitar wove their way into our soul. It was
a moment of pure magic – an awakening of
the spirit, as the Ganga’s rhythms blended
seamlessly with the music.
The soul of Banaras also lies in its narrow
by-lanes, where tradition thrives in the
hands of its masterful weavers. Walking The Magical weaves of Banaras
through these narrow alleys, I was drawn
to the rhythmic clanking of looms. Thread No experience of Banaras is complete
by thread, we witnessed the creation of without its vibrant flavours.
the famed Banarasi sarees, each weave a Our visit to the historic Chunar Fort was
masterpiece of colour, texture and legacy. also very interesting. Built in 1029 by King
These artisans, carrying forward centuries- Sahadeo, this ancient structure stands as a
old traditions, transform silk into works of testament to centuries of rich history and
art. As I watched with awe a thought came craftsmanship. Constructed from the famed

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