MUMBAI: Pancham Nishad presents Thumri is a two-day Festival of Thumri, Kajri and Chaiti dedicated to legendary vocalist Smt. Girija Devi whose choicest presentation of Thumris enthralled the music lovers spread across the globe. The festival is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 21 February and Thursday 22 February 2018, 7.00 pm onwards at Nehru Centre Auditorium, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai.

The first day would commence with a vocal performance by Neha Chimmalgi (Senior Disciple of legendary thumri exponent Smt. Shobha Gurtu) followed by versatile vocalist Shubha Mudgal.

The second day would begin with young and talented vocalist Sunanda Sharma, a senior disciple of Smt. Girija Devi. The festival will conclude with the numero uno and youth icon vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty.

Thumri Festival is a musical evening representing the melodious journey of Semi Classical music of India. This two day festival is a tribute to the Doyen of Semi Classical Music representing Banaras Gharana, Padmavibhushan Smt. Girija Devi who left for heavenly abode two months back. Known for her winsome command over different facets of Semi Classical Music like Thumri, Kajri, Hori, Chaiti to name a few, Girija Devi regaled the lovers of Indian Music spread across the globe for more than five decades.

The beautiful blend of Hindustani classical music with traits of folk literature, Thumri is among the most eloquent traditions of Indian performing art. Thumri, blossomed mainly in the era of Mughal reign, holds a history of over 500 years. Patronised by the royal kingdoms and palaces for more than three centuries Thumri thereafter travelled from ‘Kothas’ to the public platform rather sluggishly. However, today Thumri has become an integral part of any concert of Indian Classical Music. Thanks to legendary vocalist Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan Saheb.