Musical tributary to the Ganges

A choir is performing a musical tribute to India's most revered river, the Ganges, this weekend.

The production O Ganga: Echoes from the River of Life had its first public performance at the Ductac theatre in Dubai yesterday after six months of rehearsals.

DUBAI // An ensemble of singers, musicians and dancers in exquisite silk costumes are promising an elaborate musical journey along India's most revered river for audiences in Dubai.

The choir Malhaar hopes its tribute to the river Ganges (or Ganga) will resonate with expatriate Indians and other residents.

O Ganga: Echoes from the River of Life is a non-stop 90 minutes of music and dance.

"We are taking the audience through the course of the river," said Jogiraj Sikidar, a Dubai media consultant who conceived the show, which began yesterday.

"The show represents the places through which the Ganga flows and brings together elements of music, poetry and literature that has flourished along the riverbanks from the ancient times till the present."

Millions depend on the 2,525-kilometre river for their livelihoods. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, musicians, artists and filmmakers for centuries.

Considered holy to the Hindus, the Ganges has immense cultural and religious significance. Millions pay homage by taking a dip in it each year. Ashes of the dead are usually scattered over the river in the belief that this will help their souls attain salvation.

The stage production traces the flow of the river from the Himalayas in northern India through different cities, and ultimately to the east through Bangladesh and into the Bay of Bengal.

The show equates Ganga's journey to the different stages of life, from birth to death. A boatman takes the audience on an engaging narrative that includes the musical legacy, language and culture that have been born and grown along the banks.

"Every 15km the dialect changes in India and so does our music," said Mr Sikidar, the founder and director of Malhaar.

The concert features 26 songs, mostly original compositions, in folk and Hindustani or Indian classical music. The group believes the show will have a universal appeal.

"Although the subject is about India, the journey of the soul represented by Ganga is universal," Mr Sikidar said.

This is the group's third major production since its inception two years ago. The artists have been rehearsing O Ganga for six months.

Malhaar is the first Indian choir in the Emirates and seeks to provide a platform for anyone with an interest in music, irrespective of their nationality.

All of the performers have day jobs and manage to fit in exhausting rehearsals after work. The group relies on friends and well-wishers for props and sets.

"Life is busy in Dubai," said Meenu Murali, 25, a sales engineer who is a singer. "To break from that, it is important to have a passion or hobby that keeps you happy."

O Ganga will be performed today at the Centrepoint Theatre in Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (Ductac), Mall of the Emirates at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought at the Ductac box office and timeouttickets.com for Dh70 to Dh150.