Udupi, Sep 29, 2014: The orchestras are common in mega events. They charge anything from a minimum of Rs 20,000 to Rs 5 lac depending on the status for a show of 2 to 3 hours duration with high decibel music causing noise pollution. The western music/dances are invaded the traditional celebrations of Ganeshotsav, Navaratri and Jatrotsav…! It would entertain for a while, and for sure it would not ignite religiousness or devotion among the gathering.
Raghavendra Nayak, a born native of Sirsi in Uttar Kannada district leads a blind music group known as Sri Annapoorneshwari Blind Music Group with 7 musicians who charge just Rs 5,000 for a devotional music/folk singing complete with musical instrumentalists for two-hour show. It indeed evoked religious sentiments among the audience. The blind musicians who have never seen the world are generous in entertaining the audience is a great feat indeed. The singing of contemporary sages, moral message and psalms were heard with awe. Nandish, Yogish, Santosh, Tippesh, Ramachandra and a lone women singer Jyoti Shetty who have studied up till II PUC hosen the profession of musicians.
The group comes by bus, eat simple food..! ‘None is helpless in this world. Hopelessness is not good. God who created us will sustain us...’ says Raghavendra who is proud of his group. ‘We don’t need sympathy and empathy... give us a chance..! We carrying on living by our music,’ say other musicians.
For those who are interested can contact the music group: 9481360428 or 9663894631