Time to go back to auditoriums? Ganganis host live event today and tomorrow

The Gangani parivar, famous for producing Kathak and percussion greats over generations, is holding a physical event in Delhi today and tomorrow. Called Haaziri, it is a ‘tribute to the great guru, Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, by Karan Gangani, Vidyagauri and Mujaffar Mulla, Harish Gangani, Ragini Maharaj, Swati Sinha and Mahua Shankar’ among dancers and Fateh Singh, Mohit, Yogesh, Ashish and Nishit Gangani, among various percussionists and other accompanists. 

Haaziri will be held at the Kathak Kendra in Delhi on 22 and 23 January, 5 pm onwards; it will also be broadcast live on Facebook. You can check out the details here: https://www.facebook.com/mohit.gangani.7/posts/3542511962533623

When inviting me, tabla player Mohit Gangani urged young people to attend the event while following all COVID-related precautions, which includes an RSVP to ensure that the auditorium hosts only as many people as allowed. He also made the point that when cinema halls, malls and other commercial establishments were open, there was no reason for arts venues to stay shut, though most such auditoriums in Delhi are not holding events yet. There is more activity in venues in other cities, he said, and Delhi needs people to start hosting and attending live events gradually to regain confidence and become comfortable with the guidelines of the ‘new normal’ in public places.

It is exciting news that this event is open to the public – I hope more take place soon. Please attend if you can, but RSVP beforehand, and follow the three golden rules: wear a mask, wash/sanitize your hands and maintain a minimum distance from others present.