Renowned Hindustani vocalist Mahesh Kale is set to present an Abhangwari concert in Hyderabad. In a recent telephonic interaction, the San Francisco-based singer and guru explained that the term ‘Abhang’ in Marathi means ‘unhindered’, and ‘Wari’ refers to pilgrimage. He is currently on an extensive pan-India tour, with performances scheduled in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, and now Hyderabad.
Mahesh Kale’s ‘Abhangwari’ is an annual show conceptualized to present the abhang genre, which is dedicated to Lord Vitthal. This concert aims to musically depict the annual pilgrimage of thousands of devotees to Pandharpur in Maharashtra, which takes place on Ashadhi Ekadashi day. The Hyderabad concert will be the third stop on this year’s pan-India tour which seeks to popularize abhangs. The event will feature an audio-visual presentation of the traditional practices associated with the pilgrimage, including renditions of Mahesh Kale’s abhang compositions as well as those by his guru, the renowned Pt Jitendra Abhisheki. “This concert is not just another musical event,” Mahesh says. “It’s a well-planned production with a carefully written narrative and compelling visual elements.”
Singing abhangs holds a special significance during this season. Across Maharashtra and Karnataka, small groups of pilgrims travel on foot, carrying a palki (palanquin), to Pandharpur, which is considered the abode of Lord Vitthal. According to Kale, this sacred journey commences 22 days before Ashada Ekadashi. He elaborates, “These palkis converge at a common stopping point before reaching Pandharpur. While some devotees walk the entire distance, others who are unable to walk for various reasons contribute by cooking and feeding the pilgrims as a form of service to the Lord.” Kale aims to encapsulate and convey this enthusiasm and devotion through his art, making it accessible to those who are unable to participate in the pilgrimage. “I hope this experience will give audiences a sense of embarking on a musical pilgrimage,” he adds with a sense of fulfillment.
Mahesh Kale has had an intense week since arriving in India. “Music provides me with the energy to travel,” he says.
. His journey began with a visit to Phalton in Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Panduranga before initiating the tour. Not only is Kale a composer of several Marathi songs, but Abhangwari also marks his debut as a writer. “I wanted Lord Vithal to be the first to hear it before sharing it with the rest of India,” he confides.
As someone who follows an organic and spontaneous approach to music, Kale ensures that his performances resonate with diverse audiences. “When I get on stage, I first greet the audience and, like a doctor, measure the pulse of the crowd. I think I’m able to diagnose well and create an impact through music. Despite the diversity, everyone in the audience comes for the love of music, and that serves as a common thread,” he explains.
Over the years, Mahesh Kale’s craft has been ‘fortified’ by his comprehensive understanding that music goes beyond performance. “The performance is just the tip of the iceberg. Creating, elevating, and maintaining an interest in music cannot be achieved solely through concerts; that’s why I am deeply passionate about teaching,” says Kale, who dedicates around 10 to 12 hours a week to teaching.
Teaching music to enthusiasts in nearly 15 countries is part of a broader reform effort aimed at creating a global audience for this genre. “Whenever my fellow musician friends and I travel, we are often met with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience,” he notes.
A National Award winner for a Marathi film in 2015 and the recent recipient of the Bala Gandharva Gun Gaurav Award 2024, Mahesh Kale believes that the concept of Abhangwari embodies the philosophy written in Marathi but with a universal appeal. “I am looking forward to performing for different audiences in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. The love and appreciation I received during my previous visits were overwhelming. I am back to return that love and hope to gain even more,” he mentions.
Mahesh Kale’s Abhangwari concert is scheduled to be held at Ravindra Bharathi on July 19, from 7 pm onwards, presented by Tatvaa Arts, Hyderabad, under the series of Aashad Lahari, 2nd Edition. Following the Hyderabad performance, the tour will continue to Chennai on July 20 and Bengaluru on July 21.
