Resonate.

 

The veena is a stringed instrument with four melodic strings, three drone strings and two hollow gourds which resonate. It is one of the oldest and most complicated instruments of the Indian subcontinent and has significant mythical associations. Shiva is said to have invented the veena, while Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom, is always seen with this instrument on her lap. The veena finds mention in various ancient texts like the Ramayana and the Puranas and playing the instrument is said to be a means for salvation. Furthermore, each part of the veena is associated with gods and goddesses, with the bridge being Lakshmi, the dragon head being Vishnu, the secondary gourd as the residing place of Brahma, Parvati being the chords and the neck, Shiva, her companion.

Kadambari by Raja Ravi Varma

Portrait of Kadambari, a lady playing sitar. Raja Ravi Varma did this painting with his brother C. Raja Raja Varma.

World Music Day or Intenational Music Day is celebrated every year in the month of June (21st June). This year World Music Day 2022 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 21 June. For avid music lovers or melophiles, the World Music Day is no less than a festival. Since the 'Music Day' originated in France, it is called 'Fete de la Musique' in French meaning 'Music Festival'. The day is being celebrated worldwide to encourage the musicians.

For the last 38 years in France, the 21st June is not just the longest day of the year but also the day of the fête de la musique. This "festival of music" is no ordinary festival. Created in France in 1982, it has been taken up by neighbouring countries where it has been just as successful. Music takes over the city's streets, with live bands, singers, amateur musicians, drummers, DJs and so on scattered throughout the city, expressing themselves through music and inviting the crowd to enjoy themselves.

In Paris, stages spring up all over the city, in particular on the capital's major squares and in its parks. The biggest and best-known are generally in the Jardin des Tuileries, the Petit Palais, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Louvre, Jardin du Luxembourg, on Place Denfert Rochereau and along the banks of the Seine. But amateur bands playing all different kinds of music offer surprises around every corner. For this special night, public transport offers discounted travel and some lines run all night.

It’s all over France…and the world – Fête de la musique is celebrated all over France, from small towns to large cities.

In 2019, over 10 million people took part, and depending on where you go, it does have the potential to get a bit rowdy.

It has also gone global, and over 100 countries celebrate it. It started being exported out of France as early as in 1985, during the “European Year of Music.” Then, in 1997, several other European cities signed onto a charter to be ‘partners of the European Music Festival.’ In the United States, several cities also take part, calling it “Make Music Day.”

It has become such a big deal that at one point in 1998 a postage stamp was dedicated to it, right alongside stamps for the Olympic Games and the Queen of England. 

My friend Roopa and me were in Sweden on one such occasion. And we became a part of the event. Cheering and singing for no one knew us. But at the end of which we were listed out by two Americans for we were both carrying huge umbrellas with the company name, thiswas presented to us just before we left the factory where our husband's were training. That was a great experience we would never forget. Instead of shopping we were dancing and singing in the rain. What fun times. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AEFWopwnaK3Q62a48

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This friend offered to sing any one of thebest three songs ever. On a much awaited visit to our house.

1. Sri Ranga puravihara.

2. Koraivanroom illay.

3. Endaro Mahanu bavulu.

How could any one choose between them. She held the trump card through and through. We were lucky she sang two the first two. Amazingly in spite of it being quiet late after a full day of activity ,jet lag , loads of shopping and being hungry. She is one who can please any one by her attitude simpleness  honesty and     . .......

https://youtu.be/OLDCXpzQXVo

https://youtu.be/1PqUlctNJfo