NCPA Presents Purbi, A Tribute To Girija Devi’s Musical Legacy

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) presents Purbi: Rang, Raar aur Viraha, a musical tribute to legendary vocalist Girija Devi (1929–2017), curated and presented by Debapriya Adhikary. With a focus on Purab ang gayaki, the performance brings together compositions from the tradition, including thumri, tappa, dadra, kajri and hori, tracing the many shades of love—from admiration and playful quarrel to longing, jealousy and separation. Through this repertoire, the performance explores the emotional and philosophical nuances of Purab ang compositions while drawing attention to the distinct aesthetic subtleties of the tradition.

Having trained with Girija Devi, Adhikary and Piu Mukherjee are well-known exponents of Purab ang gayaki. The two vocalists perform both individually and together, bringing different facets of the repertoire to the fore. Adding to the musical dialogue is Kumar Bose, the inimitable tabla maestro of the Benaras gharana, whose genre-specific rhythmic accompaniment complements the compositions. Purvi Parikh, also a disciple of Girija Devi, provides narration, while Vanraj Shastri on sarangi and Siddharth Mesta on harmonium provide melodic accompaniment. Together, the artistes create an evening centred on the musical language and expressive range of the Purab ang tradition, while paying tribute to Girija Devi, one of its eminent representatives.

Come and experience an evening of thumri, tappa, dadra, kajri and hori as Purbi: Rang, Raar aur Viraha brings the colours, conflicts, longing and separation of love to life through the tradition of Purab ang gayaki.

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted