Pandit Jasraj Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Music Festival

Power of Indian Classical Music

Ancient Indians believed deeply in the spiritual power of music. Ragas were considered capable of healing both the mind and body. This understanding gave birth to Indian Classical Music, a tradition that demands lifelong dedication and devotion.
Learning classical music is like learning a language – once the basic notes are mastered, one explores ragas (musical themes) and is encouraged to improvise, creating unique melodies.

Early Life of Pandit Jasraj

Pandit Jasraj was born on January 28, 1930, in Hisar, Haryana, into the famous Mewati Gharana, a family of renowned singers. His father, Pandit Motiram, was his first teacher. In 1934, the family moved to Hyderabad when his father was invited to be the court musician of the Nizam. Tragically, Pandit Motiram passed away just hours before his appointment ceremony. Jasraj, only four years old at the time, treasured the brief lessons he received from his father.

After his father’s death, Jasraj was trained by his elder brother Pandit Maniram. By the age of 7, he had mastered the tabla and performed with his brothers. In 1947, the family shifted to Kolkata, the hub of artistic creativity, where Jasraj’s musical journey flourished.

Turning to Classical Singing

At the age of 22, Pandit Jasraj devoted himself to classical singing. His first major concert was for the King of Nepal. Influenced by his spiritual guru, Maharaja Jaiwant Singh, he infused Bhakti (devotion) into his performances.

Musical Innovations

Pandit Jasraj contributed significantly to the world of music:

• Jasrangi Jugalbandi – a unique duet of male and female singers creating a surreal sound.
• Popularizing Haveli Sangeet – devotional music performed in temples.
• Blending Devotional and Classical Music – touching hearts with emotional depth.

He also established many music schools across the world, nurturing future generations of musicians.

Connection with Hyderabad

Pandit Jasraj had a deep emotional bond with Hyderabad. He often visited to pay homage to his father and even built a temple-like structure at the site of his father’s last rites in Amberpeth. This place transformed into a Musical Shrine, where devotees experienced spiritual energy through his singing.

In 1972, he started the Pandit Motiram Sangeet Samaroha in his father’s memory. After his brother Pandit Maniram’s death in 1985, the event was renamed the Pandit Motiram, Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha. This annual festival has featured legendary performers such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, MS Subbulakshmi, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and many others.

Awards and Recognition

Pandit Jasraj received several prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri (1975)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987)
• Padma Bhushan (1990)
• Padma Vibhushan (2000)

For his unparalleled contribution to Hyderabad, he was conferred the title “Son of Hyderabad”, presented by Bharat Ratna MS Subbulakshmi.

Final Journey and Legacy

Pandit Jasraj passed away on 17 August 2020. His ashes were brought to Hyderabad and placed at the shrine in Amberpeth, now known as “Pandit Motiram – Pandit Jasraj Mandir.”

The Annual Samaroha continues as the “Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Motiram, Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha.” In 2022, coinciding with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the festival celebrated its 50th year.

Tribute

The Department of Posts issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp in honor of Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Motiram, and Pandit Maniram, saluting their unmatched role in enriching and spreading Indian Classical Music across the world.