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Music heals, empowers and connects us to deeper level with life

Having a bad day or just overjoyed during festive season? Either way, it is impossible for our day pass by without music. From morning Raag Bhairavi to late night DJ rocks, music plays various roles in healing us from stress.

Celebrating the power of beats and rhythm that music brings to our life, The Fête de la Musique, also known as Music Day, Make Music Day or World Music Day, is an annual music celebration that takes place on 21 June.
Over 120 countries including India celebrate the festival by organising music concerts, informal gatherings, special events and music training workshops. Indore is known for its 24 hour grand music festival to celebrate the day.
To start the grand celebrations and healing music therapy sessions, we bring you some great stories of musicians in the city, who have made their mark on international stage as well.
A life dedicated to music
Music is life in simple words. In some words; it is the healing source that empowers a person to look beyond day-to-day life. My father, Dr Kishore Kale, was a veterinarian by profession with a passion for music.
He was my first teacher, who showed me the power of music that heals life. Music therapy is helping people throughout the world now, but only a few know about the healing music.
Not all type of music can heal our ailments, but some specific Ragas can heal and empower us. Following are some good examples of Raag used for healing:
Healing Raag
·         Todi, Bhupali, Ahir Bhairav: Provides relief from cold and head ache, high blood pressure
·         Shivaranjani: Treats memory problems
·         Bhairavi: Provides relief from Sinus, cold, phlegm, toothache
·         Chandrakauns: Treatment of heart ailments and diabetes
·         Darbari Kanara: Eases tension and provides relaxation
·         Bihag and Bahar: For sound, sonorous sleep
Gautam Kale, 47-year-old classical vocalist and trainer
The young prodigy of Music
My musical journey in Harmonica began at the age of four when my grandfather gifted me a Hohner Diatonic 10 hole harmonica. My grandfather is a businessman and a self taught musician who plays diatonic harmonica, tenor saxophone and flute as hobby.
I was brought up listening to retro songs from fifties, sixties seventies and harp played by him and accompanied by my family.
The first songs that I learnt to play were ‘Oh when the saints’, blowing in the wind, country road and Besame mucho.
With support from my family, I have represented our country on international stage as well.
I had the chance to perform in National Harmonica League in Bristol UK, where I came first in Solo Daitonic Blues, Solo Daitonic Jazz, Solo Daitonic melody and Group Duo Daitonic
I have also played in the World Harmonica festival, which takes place every 4 years is held at Trossingen Germany.
Rohan Singhal, 13-year-old harmonica performer
Connecting people through music
I have always been passionate about music and that’s why I chose to become a guitarist instead of following the usual routes to livelihood. Music helps us connect with life on a deeper level.
I can feel the changes in myself, every-time I play. About 11 years back, I noticed that we have music on every festival, but we are not celebrating music alone.
So, with declaration of world music day, I organised first 24-hour non-stop music concert. It was not surprising that music brought the entire city and state together.
About 200 to 250 performers will perform this year as well at Krishnapuri Chhatri. I wanted music to connect with our heritage so we always choose a heritage building for performance rather than auditorium.
Rajesh Mishra, a guitarist and organiser of world music day fest in Indore
Blending Indian Classical & Western Rock Music
We have together formed ‘Tat Twam Asi’ band. It is a unique blend of Indian classical and western rock music. The Spanish veena which is a modified form of the electric-guitar is the brainchild of Sachin Patwardhan who wanted the convenience of the modern instruments without compromising on his Indian classical technique.
Sachin is originally an accomplished Sarod player (disciple of Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Sahab) with a modern approach. Amit Tare has focused his learning to the western style of music. Amit plays guitar based on the Spanish format.
Together, we have form that not only heals your soul but also gives you a modern pump up.
Amit Tare and Sachin Patwardhan
Music regulates emotions, heals
Emotions evoked by music don’t just feel good; they are healthy for you as well. A meta-analysis of 400 music studies found that listening to music has the ability to reduce anxiety, fight depression and boost the immune system.
The way individuals regulate their mood with music can be divided into seven categories: Entertainment, Revival, Strong Sensation, Mental Work, Solace, Diversion and Discharge. The latter three categories (Solace, Diversion and Discharge) are all ways in which individuals can use music to regulate negative emotions.
Psychiatrist Dr Smita Agrawal

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