RaGa CANDID EP13 - Vithoba chala...Our tryst with Abhang 

Your abhangs are what opened my eyes to the magnitude and joys of Indian Classical Music. I remember being indescribably mesmerized when I heard Vithobha Chala for the first time. Enjoyment became obsession with this abhang, and before I knew it, it acted as the perfect entry point into the spellbinding world of Carnatic music! I remember calling you up immediately after hearing this abhang and thus began my journey with you! Every raga, every composition, every pallavi I learned after that just seemed to multiply the bliss to levels I didn't know existed. I have Vithobha Chala, Bhoot Mothe and all the other countless abhangs to thank for getting me into this incredible path - and most of all, I have you to thank for guiding me through it every step of the way!

Padma award long due to these great souls.

Your Abhangas is the thing which brought me to Carnatic Kutcheri, the first was in Gayana Samaja , Bangaluru, this was the one which was first for someone like me who is by birth Marathi, had never heard Carnatic music seriously.... The first abhanga was Chala Mandirat and second was Sharana Sharana Ekanatha! I recommended some of your songs to my friends and family and some of them have started listening to Carnatic music! You are doing great service to music in general and to the carnatic music in particular by including Marathi and Abhanga in your concerts! Few months back I heard gajavadana tuja namito , specially composed for pure Carnatic music piece in Marathi (it is on youtube , sung by Nandini Rao Gurajar). Some more compositions like this will really be a great addition to Carnatic music. As I read Oothukadu Venkata Kavi has composed some pieces in Marathi, it'd be heartening if some of these are brought to light...

As a Marathi knowing person, and South IndianI am overwhelmed by your Abhangs.Cudos to you for popularising Abhang onCarnatic music platform. Hats off to you.!

I don't know why but I always am moved to tears everytime I hear your abhangs and carnatic classical songs. I virtually prostrate in front of you both, my sincere pranams🙏🙏

The source of inspiration has been Meera and her enormous interest & efforts in learning Marati abhangs.

I was so engrossed while listening to you that I thought this conversation never ends! Thanks for everything madams!

Omg! At 14:44 "kashi jau me vrundavana" was so beautiful ❤

So much enjoyable the finer elements of abhangs the way it is explained,...spreading the flowery essense to us, our right hand is automatically touching the right ear when you tell your guru's name...as a mark of respect....Explained with purity...

Tears flowing from the eyes. That is the only comment I can make, of you both singing abhangs. [Even if I don't know the meaning of the lyrics]

I wish you bring out your abhang album some day. I was in a trance for those 22 mins and 49 seconds. Nothing else to say. Can't thank-you both enough.

Lost a count on how many times I have listened to Chandrakauns abhang from the Darbar concerts❤️ Loop listening!

I watch this episode in morning on 27/01/2020 and in evening i attended the concert of bolava vitthal for the first time in vitthal mandir itself where both of them sang vithoba chala mandirat, Bheti lagi jiva and pandhariche bhoot mothe.. That day was the best day of my life.. i was listening to them live in Vitthal mandir pandharpur it was mesmerizing.... i wish ranjani ji and gayatri ji will come each year in pandharpur to bless us with their voice and new abhangs..

You both are such one beautiful soul when it comes to concerts! ❤

What an incredible session! Thank you for sharing all the nuances of Abhang with us. Amazing!

Their way of conversation looks interesting

Mata kalika ,my favorite abhang ,it was the one that introduced me to your music . Had me in tears . Your abhangs are like marvel movies ,the exclusive last scene that everyone looks forward to the entire movie .

Excellent always eager to listen your singing as well very nice to hear your interpretation of Abhangas🙏

wow I am so excited to listen to full version of bheti Laagi jeeva! माझ्या मनाच्या अत्यंत जवळ असलेला अभंग! अनेकानेक धन्यवाद!

Another great session! As always just superb! Your sample renditions without accompaniments were too good and a wonderful treat to us .You both are a blessed duo! I am sure Lord Vittal with Rukmani will be there around wherever n whenever you sing these abhangs. God's Blessings to the sisters are visible to all the rasikas .Stay blessed!

What a fascinating journey! Thanks for sharing with us. Every monday morning you take us from the mundane to the sublime world. So grateful to you for that. Please keep up the great work that you are doing.

There is nothing impossible for you, madam love your singing

Gives me goosebumps when you sang “poornlme ka Chandra Ma” so beautiful. Abhangs are sung in so many ways ,it is always beautiful to the ears and heart. So meaningful.Very nice !

Lovely to hear you both sing Marathi

Nobody sings abhangs better than RaGa Sisters! I learnt to appreciate abhangs only after listening to them!

For a person like me who doesn’t know Marathi and not much exposure to abhangs, your both singing abhangs towards the end of Carnatic concerts were new but with so much devotion were what our family was looking forward to in every concert. Now that I learnt how much of efforts you both put into by learning each genre is very remarkable. Do please keep it up so that the next generation of musicians understand how to integrate devotion irrespective of languages and genres. May Swāmi bless you both to let the music evolve.

Salute to the masters of Abhang singing, familiarising the same to carnatic audience. 🙏🙏

You combined abhang and Carnatic music very beautifully, really appreciate it

Mata kalika was the first abhang i heard of yours and totally loved it. From then on, i always look forward to listen to your abhangs at every concert. My next favourite is pandariche bhoot mote.. what a beauty that is. Namakarams to both of you 😀

உங்களுடைய "அபங்" விட்டலனை காண உதவுகிறது. எத்தனை முறை கேட்டாலும், ஒவ்வொரு முறையும் விட்டலனைப்போன்றே வித விதமாக அழகு சேர்க்கிறது❤🙏 கடவுளின் நிறைந்த ஆசி உங்களை வந்தடையட்டும்🙏. கண்களில் கண்ணீரும், நெஞ்சில் நிறைவைத்தரும்" அபங்" இளம் குயில்கள், இளவரசிகள். நிறை நன்றி❤🙏

Simply moving. Tears in the eyes. We are blessed as you both belong to our times.

The way you sing abhangs just bring vithoba in front of the eyes ♥️

Yet another excellent session on Abangs.Kalpana swaras with abangs is a new treat for music lovers.pandaricha boothe moothe,bolava vittala,Dhanya,dhanyaa and matha kalika are my favourite Abangs.Raga sisters are doing mano dharma in an efficient way when they handle Abangs.Their singing way of abangs are so soothing and divine.It's completely spiritual.It gives positive vibrations to the soul.Hats off to RAGA sisters.Stay blessed.

2 yrs back I chanced upon your rendition of 'pandaricha bootha moote...' you sang at the Darbar Festival several years back. I literally got goosebumps & ended up listening to it again and again. I must have heard it several dozen times by now & each time the goosebumps happen. Your rendition as well as the abhang itself are s potent combo. It definitely touches very deep within. I am ever thankful to you both amazing artists for having given us such a masterpiece.

Oh my my! This is so blissful! The way you de-strucuture every keerthan and the way you discuss it with utmost joy, is all just beyond comparison. I must credit you for rekindling tremendous inspiration with regards to this beautiful art form. Thank you for restoring our faith in Carnatic music and handling it sincere elegance.

You are one duo who sing both Hindusthani and carnatic effortlessy beautiful after aruna sairam madam. Roopa pahata Lochani: this is my all time favourite from yours though i like others too [pug gungaroo, chala mandhra, bhlolava vittala] Your initial allaap, pakhawaj, jalra and the take of in usi [thatti edukaradhu] - no words is enough to describe the divine feeling. a mood refresher and booster. This holds a very special place in my family. I used to listen to all kinds of songs. When my wife was pregnant, after the 4 or 5th month, she will refuse to eat in the morning. At that point of time, we noticed that the baby started to swirl inside the womb when this song was played and will go on atleast for 30 to 45 minutes. This invariably made my wife to get up and eat. even after birth, until almost 1.5 to 2 years , even if she was in deep sleep , she would instantly wake up if she hears this song. so she got used to this song as wake up song and Bombay Jayshri Madam [ mannupugazh, kanne navamaniye and tagore lullaby] as sleeping songs. Thank you very much and Kindly keep this up going.

This abhang is a Ranjani gayatri masterpiece

Bolava vittala is my favourite. Happy to hear to day. Beti lagi... Marvelous.

Namaskaram! You both have taken singing to a new divine level. My humble appreciation and kudos. Continue this journey every higher more beautiful...

Ranjani Akka and Gayatri Akka bring such divinity and soulfulness to anything and everything they set their minds to. What a beautiful episode!! So much of Bhakti, involvement and love for Music. My sincerest pranams to the lovely pair!

It may or may not be candid...but just SPLENDID!❤

My question is answered.. very happy and excited for todays concert in pandharpur waiting for you RaGa sisters.

I love ur abhangs the most in all your mesmerising katcheris!! This session is full of them! It is toooooooooo good! Thanks sisters!!

I listened तुका पंढरीसि गेला in carnatic kachery and appreciate duo's point that it was simply on experimental line. The artists really justifies abhang over its home ground immensely.

Waiting for an hour program only of all the Abhangs you wish to render from your divine voice. 🙏

I had a feeling of hearing a Abang concert ...Thanks

Thank you both for this beautiful treat every Monday .we are all blessed .

You both sisters are so very blessed by Maa Saraswati. 🙏❤️❤️❤️

Amazing sisters, my humble pranams to both of you for this divine music 🙏🙏👍👍

Pandariche booth mote is my favorite Abang. thank u so much

Namaskar to both the taaisahebs. I have witnessed the said concert at Shri Shanmukhanand Saraswati sabhagruh and was mesmerized. I must say you are attending perfection in all aspects for abhang,not just music but the pronunciation too which is essential for the bhaav of the abhang. Still remember the abhang at Shanmukhanand and request you to post the recording if possible. Like all episodes this too was beautiful.

One more very knowledgable ,very soothing Monday morning. Aaha how sweet you sing

Every concert of you ends up with vittal darshan to me.. Waiting for your concert at hyderabad in March.. And I hope to listen to the new beautiful abhang in all it's glory... Love you 😊 😍... and thank you.. .. Viji

Very beautifully explained about Abhang and your personal experience with us. Thank you RaGa mam🙏👌my favourite is bolava

Thank you so much for this session on अभंग .. I can not forget your rendition of भेटी लागे जीवा.. in one of the Bolava Vitthal Concert. Blessed to listen to your अभंग ...🙏🏼🙏🏼😊

Your choice of showcasing this episode on the day you are singing for Vittala in His abode is so apt. Yes, Abhangs and RaGa have become synonymous and surely it is intriguing for us to know how it all happened. Your journey has been a commendable one and the way you took us through it, established several hard facts beneath the veneer of success and celebration. The journey, though it started accidentally, opened for you the doorway to the Divine! Having spent many years in Pune and Mumbai, the VArkAri tradition is very close to my heart. Abhangs are necessarily lyrical outpourings on the Divine in all its simplicity. But to master this, needs dedication, an understanding of the language, a versatility and above all Bhakti! You have had all these in abundant measure. In today’s world, Bhakti is a bad word but the way both of you stressed on it’s importance underlined the secret of your success. Without it, there is no Abhang. Yet another secret is the sheer dedication with which you learnt from so many Ustads and still remembering every little nuance. Like a sponge that absorbs everything! Gayatri mentioned, the learning is still continuing. Isn’t that a great trait? - to be a learner all the time and not claiming expertise. No wonder you have achieved incredible mastery in this genre. You, painstakingly blending it into Carnatic format and achieving so much success with it does establish how well equipped you are in different domains. And with your captivating style of singing everything seems so seamless. ‘Ruling the roost’ could well be an understatement! Thanks for yet another captivating RaGa Candid that took us all on a beautiful journey to the abode of Vittala and Rukmayee, the land of the Palkis, Chandrabhaga and Bhima. And we can distinctly see over there Gnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath, Namdev, Chokamela and Janabhai all waiting to hear you this evening! Have a great concert

Wow a beautiful candid !!! I just love Ranjani mam and Gayatri mam style of rendering abhangs ..! Thank you 😊 the touch of Carnatic in the abhangs by RaGa mam is excellent and make it more special!!..

This is such a beautiful episode❤️❤️❤️. Please please pleaseeee release another album of Abhangs. Always and always a fan and an admirer.🙏🏻 God bless you akkas!🙏🏻🙏🏻

You should take us to vittaal one day through your abhangs. Miss your concert in pandharpur today . So sorry. Will attend in Chennai definitely .

My family have listened to Chandrakauns abhang from the Darbar concerts , how many times we listened. we love it. you are well talented Sisters.

Respected RaGa duo It was great insight in to abhangs, enjoyed every bit of that At 11.48, Ranjani ji, oh, blissful Ranjani ji telling reg Latha ji, its complete n that's it, what better explanation is possible I was waiting to know how it was received in Shanmugananda, great to know that was well received Hats off to both you n all the best Srihari

Beautiful program of Abhang and your explanation of theses type of Maharashtra Vithal Bhajans! Thank you 🙏!

Namaste, yet another divine listening. Your Monday sessions have become our family ritual. Thirsty for more and more. We live in Bay Area , California and would love to attend your live concerts when you come here. Wanted to mention about the "pandaricha bootha moote" abhang at the darbar festival. My kids have watched this particular song on you tube contless times. It goes on an infinite loop on all our long car trips. Keep the music and the devotion coming and through this to reach the purpose of this life. Thank you 🙏

It’s my pleasure to listen this beautiful and wonderful experience of learning abhangs 💐 Thank you 🙏🏻

Many thanks for sharing your experiences in learning & tuning of Abhangs. Every time I listen to you, I am reminded of the fact that if there is anything that can mend heal and bring together this broken and divided world, it is the power of music. You should also start introducing verses from Marathi classics like Dnyaneshwari, (or Jnanesvari,) to our South Indian audience.

You both mesmerized , and Shown Panduranga through Bhootha Mote. I don't how many times I have listened to it. Everyone I listen , I get energised. The power of Lyric is, beyond words to explain. Very Simple yet very Powerful. God Bless You both.

I wish these conversations were at least of 30 minutes.

I wait eagerly for your every session to savour another beautiful slice of your musical journey and to learn something new every single time. I love how you both complement each other with your distinctive voices yet blend into one like milk and water. We are blessed thanks to technology, that we are able to get such insights into music from vidwans like you, which was not possible some years back. How do feel technology has changed the carnatic music landscape in terms of its reach and popularity?

A wonderful enlightening interview.Just loved the way the two sisters explained the nuances.lts a pleasure listening to them, Brahmandi tali lagane….. as they say in Marathi.

So nice knowing so much about Abhangs. I don’t think I need to talk about the Chandrakauns Abhang. I actually never knew that you had tuned Sharana Kanha...How mesmerised I was when you sang that in the Music Academy....Thank you so much...love you both Akkas ❤️❤️❤️

Proud to be a Rasigai of Sakalakalavallis👏👏Loads of love RaGa 💜💜Please keep enthrall us with your soulful music forever 🙏🙏🤗🤗😘😘

Abangs brings so much at ease when it is heard sung by you both. some thing so divine. Thank you

You are the singing nightingales presently . What makes you special is the abhangs that you have explored to the nub in your own respective imaginary aspects . That's an epitome of amazing quality of ingenuity. You both maintain the originality and justice to composer with your beautiful creative spectrums and it's just awesome.. loved it mam's .. 🤭

God bless you both ❤️

Ur singing is divine💐

Such a lovely session on abhangs. We can easily get lost listening your divine music.

Very nice session of abhang singing. Wonderful.... No words sisters... Thanks a lot.. Sairam

wish I could hear a complete record of your rendition of Abanga, Thank you very much, Your sound and notes brightened a dull day

Learnt a lot about structural, devotional and melodic aspects of abhangs from your detailed analytical explanations!

My most favourite RaGa renditions are Vittobha and Pag Ghunguru. Throughout the video, I observed many emotions being expressed by both of you. Could you please make a video on 'Ragas and emotions' which will help people to experience serenity by choosing ragas to listen. Eg. Atana : anger, Sama : solace.

Dear Akka's, hats off to your knowledge.. I humbly bow down to you both...🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊 Feels like lord vitthobha has sent you both to guide us 😊

Great occasion today, to speak on Abhangs. I'm sure that your Pandharpur program will be very best n different experience for you, audience and for Vitthala too. I remember that many years before Pt. Bhimsen Joshi has rendered Abhangwani on occasion on Ashadhi Yatra and now you are presenting on occasion of Maghi Yatra. 😊👍🏻

Another Awesome candid session... The first time I heard your abhang was "roop pahata lochani".... It did something to me esp the jugal bandi aalaap at "sarva sukhaache aagaaroo" when I heard it the first time... and I decided to learn that abhang the way you have delivered it... Simply superb !!

Thanks for sharing the abhang songs. Bakthirasam is overwhelming and prominent in your singing. Vittala vittala jaya jaya vittala Vittala vittala purandara vittala

Super mam. This is the most best rendition. Love you both❤️❤️🎼💓💗

Credit for introducing good taste or shall I say craze for abhang to the southern audience should undoubtedly go to Raga sisters. Introducing an element of monodharma in a traditional and devotional art form is the sisters' forte. Legendary Lata ji' reference at the end leaves you spell bound. Let Mondays come quicker!

Oh my goodness😍 It is such a great treat to listen to your music journey musicals and the stories you share with such a passion and devotion is just incredible! Love you sisters🤗🤗

Guys, you are a phenomena.Being an avid listener of music especially Indian classical for over 5 decades, I have been seeing every episode of RaGa candid. This one has forced me to write .To start with, the first one In Chadrakauns really brought tears in my eyes. I possibly had a fleeting glance of Vithoba. Very absorbing. It would be great if you stick to the original Abhang with variations to Malkauns and back. Am sure purists will also understand it. Would love to hear a Bhairavi (Hindusthani) Abhang from you and am sure it would be a blockbuster. Also bringing on Swaras in Abhang as long as it sits well in both in the rendition and emotional quotient it is absolutely fine. If the Maharashtrians loved it, so would the southies.Get on and rock the world like you never did.

Chala Mandirata Vithoba, in Maruva Bihag, was the *very* first time I listened to both you. Instantly became a fan...of both the song and the singers!

Hi Ma’am : Tryst with Abhang was simply superb Looks like there are so many incidents that shaped your destiny Improvisation / innovation is root of all progress and whatta craze that you brought to this genre especially for the hitherto Marathi folks who could enjoy the Carnatic elements n same for pure Carnatic folks the flavour of Marathi abhangs Ability to recognise the subtleties and improvising, Mingling devotional; classical including Carnatic n hindusthani elements, going with flow of words n shaping the rhythm into ever melodious Abhangs, wow you wove many things in today’s episode Finally, What a tale of saraswathis, so many gurus n such an exposure and blessings from all of them for the ever learning sisters .... Enjoyed n learnt many things Difficult to say which is the predominant feeling, enjoyment or learning

Your tryst with abhang has helped us to understand the intricacies of Hindustani music and Abhang. The tune you set to Sharana Ekanatha and Bola vittala was spectacular. Wonderful episode as usual!

Very proved to see u both

Very great and wonderful session of Abhangs.Taking all the radials towards divinity.You musicians are the part of national integration . Thanks for the melodious a hangs.👌

Beautiful video...What did you do on a typical concert day in chennai and others abroad. ... Any special preparations... Also, how do you take care of your voice.. Do you have a fixed diet or any special medication... Pls do share your experience and valuable knowledge with us

Beautiful Abhangs 🙏. This was such an eye-opening episode. Thank you for everything akkas!

Super very happy to see both ..simple and humble.. stay blessed..❤️❤️

Wow Monday, it is a pleasure to enjoy your experience and your music. Today Abang wow wow.

Thank you very much for the eye opening episode akka's. I always heard your bhajan with so much ease. But never observed all these intricate flavors of hindustani music. Now I could connect with these Abhangs more clearly. In carnatic music we give more emphasis to the eduppu. But in these Abhangs its totally different. Its just a different dimension. It was truly a learning experience. Thanks for sharing yet another important part of your concert's mater piece. Very well executed akka. Thanks😀 Love Shobana

Today was a treat indeed !! Thank you so much ...! Much as i enjoi Carnatic , being from Pune Abhangs were part of our life especially as we were brought up in a Music atmosphere .i hv personally experienced the Magic u both weave , at Dubai , where u sung the Bolava Vitthala ...what a performance that was !! Standing ovation .and the audience was still clapping ...continously .O brings goose bumps and lump in the throat !! Sharing how you learnt Abhangs was very special fr us fans . The last piece ..Bheti lage jeeva was truly special !🙏👌

I had first heard your abhang Sakha Maza and it was very nicely rendered