Mahesh Kale’s Abhangwari magic begins with Mumbai concert

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San Francisco-based National award-winning vocalist Mahesh Kale recently graced Mumbai with his enchanting performance of Abhang music at his concert, titled Abhangwari, held in Mumbai. Abhang, a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of Lord Vitthal, was rendered by Kale, who, over the years, has been elevating Hindustani Classical Music on the global stage. The atmosphere was imbued with a profound sense of devotion, spirituality and reverence.

Kale’s performance captivated the audience, comprising from children to elders. Recently, Kale had also performed at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and the BMM Convention in San Jose, California.

The Abhangwari concert was graced by renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and his wife Anita, and actor Subodh Bhave, who served as anchor for the show. Kale’s wife, Purva Gujar Kale was also in attendance.

Kale said, “As we begin our Abhangwari concert series, many warkaris (devotees) have started their pilgrimage towards Pandharpur, aiming to arrive there by July 17^h for the Aashaadi Ekaadashi. A grand celebration takes place there. Our concert is a heartfelt effort to recreate this divine atmosphere and particularly for those unable to travel to Pandharpur.”

Aashaadi Ekaadashi is the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight or Shukla Paksha (after the No-Moon day) of the Hindu month of Aashaadh. This occasion is holy to Vaishnavs, the followers of Vishnu, as it is regarded to be the day the deity’s sleep commences in Kshir Sagar, the cosmic ocean of milk, on Shesh, the cosmic serpent. Millions of pilgrims march and congregate at Pandharpur, the shrine of Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, singing abhangs by Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar dedicated to Lord Vithal.

Bhogle said, “I first heard about Mahesh Kale from my brother-in-law, as Mahesh knew him very well. That is when I started listening to him, and eventually, we got to know each other. Once, I asked him if he could surprise my mother-in-law and wife, as they were huge admirers of his music. I messaged him asking if he could sing for them over the phone, and he actually called them up and sang! I found that to be a really thoughtful gesture.”

The concert’s theme created a unique wari pilgrimage atmosphere, adding to the evening’s spiritual mood. Each member of the audience donned a tilak on their foreheads and wore traditional Maharashtrian topi (caps), immersing them fully in the devotional experience. This thoughtfully-curated ambience left an indelible impression on all attendees, making Abhangwari a truly memorable and spiritually uplifting experience for one and all.

“Our attempt is to go beyond the confines of classical and semi-classical performances, creating a more engaging experience so that the audience comes closer to the art form,” shared Kale.

Following his performance in Mumbai, Kale will now be traveling to Pune, Akkalkot, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad to bring Abhangwari to audiences in these cities. Akkalkot is situated 38 kilometres southeast of Solapur in Maharashtra and is the home to Shri Swami Samarth, a 19^th century saint who is an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.