New Delhi: Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj and Sangeet Martand Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj were among the artistes who gave scintillating performances at this year’s Idea Jalsa in the capital.

Other artistes who performed included Tabla Player and Composer Kedar Pandit along with Ajay Atre, Kedar Paranjape, Charudatta Phadke, Nilesh Randive, Vinay Ramdasan, Saurabh Vartak, Sukhad Munde, Rohit Mujumdar – on percussions and renowned Kathak Exponent of India Saswati Sen.

Pt Birju Maharaj performed ‘Gat-Bhavthumri’ followed by a Hindustani Classical Vocal performance by Pandit Jasraj. The theme for Delhi was ‘Raagas on Tabla’.

Idea Jalsa – Music for the Soul which entered its decade year with its 10th edition had started its 12 city concert tour from Chennai and will now travel to Ambala and Pune with the finale in Bengaluru on the 26 March.

‘Idea Jalsa – Music for the Soul’ is a unique project which has been partnered by Idea Cellular Ltd since its inception in 2006.

Idea Jalsa brings together legends, maestros, stars, young maestros and the rising stars of Indian music, to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India. The Idea Jalsa platform has already presented more than 7,000 musicians across genres and the festival was supported this year by the Tourism Ministry.

“Idea Jalsa is the largest platform for Indian Music across genres, which has been established with the active support of Idea Cellular Ltd. and has crossed many milestones in its journey since 2006, e.g. entering the Limca Book of Records, reaching more than 30 crore audiences through its TV telecasts, being the 1stIndian Music project to be webcast live, telecast in 165 countries worldwide on Zee International and also being on 15 International Airlines’ in-flight entertainment. We are very humbled that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has agreed to support this project with Incredible India,” said Durga Jasraj, Founder & Director, Art And Artistes.

Idea Cellular, Delhi COO Sanjeev Govil said, “Idea Cellular has always considered music to be one of the important avenues to connect with our customers across the country. Idea Jalsa is one such platform which brings together legends, maestros, stars, and rising stars from the Indian music fraternity, to present a rich and diverse showcase of Indian culture for all music enthusiasts across the country and champion Indian classical music. We are happy to bring these unique performers and musicians to New Delhi and are hopeful that our customers will join us in this celebration of music.”

After a breathtaking performance, Indian Tabla Player and Composer - Kedar Pandit said, “Idea Jalsa is such a unique platform, where Indian classical music is performed in its rich traditional way as well as it always welcomes the new creative ventures. I am happy to be a part of this great movement started and retained by art and artistes for last so many years. I have already got the opportunity to accompany as a tabla player to many greats on this platform but this time, in Delhi I performed as a composer for a new and unique concept in tabla playing," The Raagas on Tabla". I am thankful to Durga Jasraj ji who gave me such a great opportunity to share this performance with two great legend's Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji and the great Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.”

“I have been thinking of this concept from last 10 years. I feel that the entire music comprises of Sur and Laya. I am glad that 1st time ever in the history of Indian Music we presented Raagas on Tabla, which complimented the basic nature of Tabla without any support of electronic sound. I am happy that innovative composer ‘Kedar Pandit’ has worked very hard along with his group of Musicians for this concept and have taken it to another level. It is an honour to have the legendary Pt. Birju Maharaj to a song and emote 'Thumri' for Idea Jalsa for the 1st time. He was ably assisted by the extremely talented Katthak Maestro Saswati Sen. Its always a blessing to have Bapuji Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj to grace the stage of Idea Jalsa with his divine Music. Delhi Music lovers have always extended their loving support towards us and we are grateful to them. We were happy to see a large turnout for the free for all concert of Idea Jalsa.” added Durga Jasraj.