Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS November 7, 2025 Suromurchhana Celebrates Tabla Maestro Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri’s 80th Birth Year With A Full-House Concert S uromurchhana, the NewYork and India–based non-profit arts organization, hosted a packed auditorium on Saturday night to honor the 80th birth year of tabla legend **Padma Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri**. The evening unfolded as a moving celebration of Indian classical music, featuring performances that paid tribute to both the living maestro and the lineage of teachers who inspired genera- tions of artists. The centerpiece of the concert was an exquisite performance featuring Pt. Swa- pan Chaudhuri himself on tabla, joining Pt. Sanjoy Banerjee, vocalist and founder of Suromurchhana, and Pt. Kedar Naph- ade on harmonium. The trio’s collabora- tion was a blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth that captivated listeners from the opening note to the final applause. The evening also served as a homage to Suromurchhana’s revered gurus — the Late Sangeet Vidushi Malabika Kanan and the Late Pandit A. Kanan —whose musi- cal legacy continues to guide the organi- zation’s mission. Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, recipient of the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, is celebrated globally for his art- istry and for pioneering the introduction of Hindustani classical music and tabla to Western audiences. In a highlight moment of the evening, the maestro lauded Pt. Sanjoy Banerjee’s soulful rendition, remarking that he envi- sions Banerjee “taking his place among the leaders of Hindustani vocal music” in the years to come. The concert opened with a serene and invigorating recital by Smt. Namami Kar- makar, a Suromurchhana faculty member, accompanied by Sri Dibyarka Chatterjee on tabla and Sri Anirban Chakraborty on harmonium. Her performance set a deeply contemplative tone that carried through the night. The event not only marked a milestone in Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri’s illustrious life but also reaffirmed Suromurchhana’s enduring commitment to nurturing and presenting Indian classical music at the highest level. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:ORGANIZERS Smt. Namami Karmakar presents a vocal recital accompanied by Shri Dibyarka Chatterjee on tabla and Shri Anirban Chakrabarty on harmonium Pandit Sanjoy Banerjee performs with Padma Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri on tabla and Pandit Kedar Naphade on harmonium. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham In Robbinsville, NJ Celebrates 9 Days Of Diwali F rom October 18 to October 26, 2025, BAPS Swami- narayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, celebrated Diwali under this year’s special theme: Unity, “reminding all that when individuals and families come together, they strengthen not only their bonds but also the fabric of the wider community.” Organizers estimated thousands of devotees, well- wishers, and visitors from across the tri-state area came to the campus during that period of celebrations. Local dignitaries and public officials fromMercer County and beyond joined the gathering. The celebration began with a maha aarti — a collec- tive offering of light and devotion, followed by one of the many highlights of the celebrations – an impressive and colorful fireworks display. Volunteers put in weeks of effort to decorate the grounds and the mandir with intricate rangoli designs, and displays of light. A central feature was the ‘Annakut,’ or “mountain of food,” in which hundreds of vegetarian dishes prepared by devotees of all ages were beautifully arranged and of- fered to the Divine. “Working with so many dedicated volunteers to prepare for Diwali showed me how service can bring us closer together as a family and community,” said Ami Shah. Beyond the rituals, the celebration engaged families and guests of all ages with activities such as fireworks, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that con- veyed the meaning of Diwali and connected attendees across generations. “Experiencing Diwali at the BAPS Swaminarayan Ak- shardham, Robbinsville, NJ filled me with joy,” said Rama Joshi, who came from India. “The lights, the Annakut, and the sense of community remind me of the traditions I grew up with, while also creating new memories with my family here.” Hari Patel shared, “Diwali at Akshardham is more than a festival — it’s an experience of coming together. In a world where differences often divide, our goal this year was to remind everyone that unity is our greatest strength and the light that dispels all darkness.” His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj shared his Diwali blessings, encouraging all to let the light of unity shine in their lives: “Our prayerful blessings that Bhagwan Swaminarayan may keep you all happy in body, mind and means; that you all may keep peace in your hearts; that unity increases in your family; faith and devotion towards Bhagwan grow; and that the strength to follow the commandments of Satsang is obtained.” BAPS mandirs across North America joined in hosting Diwali celebrations. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham at Robbinsville, NJ, is a nexus of Hindu architecture, culture, unity, selfless service, and a way to bridge India’s heritage with modern America, the organization said in its press release. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:BAPS PHOTOS:Vinod Chadha Fireworks display at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbins- ville, NJ, during 9 days of Diwali celebrations October 18 to 26, 2025. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Diwali celebrations in Robbinsville, NJ emphasized the theme of “Unity.”