Every nook and corner of India is filled with richness – be it culturally or artistically. The ones who have lived through the time our country was purely beautiful, are today the storytellers to those who may never see the golden times again. One such richness lies in our music. Our music reflects the way of life in society. It reflects the professions, regions, seasons and festivals that were incomplete without music, especially folk music.
Nidhi Kamath, an art lover, a filmmaker, with a penchant for the plethora of crafts that exist in India, hails from Vadodara and has decided to become a torchbearer in transmitting the original arts of India to the world through the few who still pursue it for a living. With a tender upbringing, she has naturally felt strongly for human beings.
On a routine day at office, Kamath’s encounter with a 74-year-old musician, playing Ravanhatta – a vanishing folk instrument in India – beneath her office, was something that touched her deeply. Summers in Vadodara are not easy to cope with, but in that scorching heat was one such Budha Kaka, smiling and playing his music as if it was no one’s business. It did not take a moment for her to feel empathy toward him, because she saw how immensely talented he was and yet, people did not value it.
Singing Gujarati Folk songs, Budha Kaka earns an average of Rs. 500 with may be some grains given in charity, from women around Gotri & Vasna areas. He lives with his wife, son and grandson, reviving the streets of Vadodara with his humble Ravanhatta from the last 10 years, and attempting every day to make ends meet. However, Budha Kaka enjoys his music more than anything because that is the only way he can get in touch with the Almighty.
This beautiful encounter led Kamath to help Budha Kaka make ends meet by organizing a fundraiser where he will be singing folk songs and narrating the story of his life. Kamath feels that this event will not only help her raise funds for his bare necessities, but is hoping that spectators may invite him to sing at their functions, or a group of youngsters will know about their folk Gujarati music, or just so that the man feels appreciated for his music. She is expecting to raise funds of up to Rs. 10,000.
Previously a part of a Bhajan Mandli in his village, Budha Kaka is a born performer. In spite of that, he seems very excited to perform as it is going to be his first time performing in an urban setup.
Lend your ears this Sunday to the enticing music of Budha Kaka and his humble Ravanhatta instrument. He will be performing in private setting with limited seats on Sunday, 23rd June’19, at Yogshala – Opp. Caffeine Café, Vasna Road, Vadodara, 7 pm onward. Tickets cost Rs. 150 only.
Be there and show some love and support to the local artists and folk music of our beautiful country.
