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- Panjvaktra Mandir Reawakens the Soul of Dogri Folk Music
JAMMU: The third Bhajan Sandhya of the ongoing Sawan Mahotsav 2026 at the historic Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir presented a distinctive blend of Hindustani classical music, devotional bhajans and Jammu’s traditional folk heritage on Monday evening. Held immediately after the Sandhya Aarti, the programme commenced with the recitation of sacred Vedic mantras by the students of the Panjvaktra Mahadev Ved Pathshala.
This was followed by a soulful presentation of classical bhajans by Dr. Rita Dev, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist and an accomplished exponent of the Banaras Gharana. A senior disciple of legendary Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Dr. Girija Devi, Dr. Rita Dev has trained extensively in the rich Guru-Shishya tradition.
Born in Assam, she began her musical journey under Guru Shri Nirmal Acharjee and earned her doctorate in Vocal Music from Banaras Hindu University under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Chittaranjan Jyotishi, a noted exponent of the Gwalior Gharana. She also received training in light classical music from renowned Banaras Gharana vocalist Guru Pt. Late Mahadev Prasad Mishra.
A Top Grade Artist of All India Radio, her classical bhajans were warmly appreciated by the gathering. Dr. Rita Dev was accompanied by Sh. Parshotam Kumar (Pakhawaj), Dr. Vinay (Tabla), Sh. Rakesh Anand (Flute), Shri Krishan Kumar (Harmonium), and S. Amarjeet Singh (Violin).
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of traditional Dogri Baakh, a folk singing form of the Duggar region, through which students of GCW, Parade, Jammu, presented devotional bhajan. The presentation was made under the guidance of renowned classical singer and ‘A’-Grade artiste of Prasar Bharati, Akashvani, Dr. Rakesh Kalotra.
The Baakh-based devotional presentation featured Mahima Chibber, Komal, Roshni Balgotra, Rajni Devi and Gayatri Kandley, with Upasana Gupta and Nisha on Sitar. The young performers received an encouraging response from devotees and cultural enthusiasts. Their presentation also highlighted the importance of passing traditional art forms from one generation to another and creating opportunities for young performers to engage with and carry forward Jammu’s rich cultural legacy.
The evening brought together two deeply rooted streams of Indian musical heritage—the refined tradition of Hindustani classical music and the earthy, oral tradition of Dogri folk singing—within the sacred and historic surroundings of Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir. Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Receiver, Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, said that preserving and reviving traditional cultural forms remains an important part of the Sawan Mahotsav.
He said, “Today’s programme beautifully demonstrated that our heritage is not confined to the past—it can live, evolve and inspire through today’s generation. Dr. Rita Dev brought the depth of Hindustani classical music, while the young performers from GCW Parade brought the traditional folk voice of Jammu to the fore through devotional bhajans. Reviving forms like Baakh is not merely about preserving an art form; it is about keeping alive the stories, emotions and cultural identity of our people.”
Suresh Kumar Sharma added that the Mahotsav would continue to provide space for established artistes, young performers and traditional cultural forms, creating opportunities for audiences to experience the diverse artistic heritage of Jammu and the country. The Bhajan Sandhya witnessed participation from devotees, music lovers, students and cultural enthusiasts, who appreciated the unique presentation of devotional music through both classical and traditional Dogri forms.
The third Bhajan Sandhya concluded with devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva, with the evening leaving a lasting impression through its unique confluence of devotion, classical music and the revival of Jammu’s traditional Dogri folk heritage.
