The sounds of Nagaland echoed through India Habitat Centre as the second edition of the Handshake Concert was held to celebrate World Music Day. Anchored by former VJ Luke Kenny, the highlight of the concert were performances by Grammy award nominee Lama Tashi and Grammy awardee Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt. The Handshake Concert is organised by the Nagaland-based Rattle & Hum Music Society and Nagaland University. “This is an effort to promote Naga culture, Naga music and Nagaland,” said Bhatt. The Handshake Concert started in Mumbai in 2009 and aims to provide a platform for talent from the Northeast, especially Nagaland.
With music lovers packing the hall and filling the aisles on June 21, the evening began with folk music band, Cultural Vibrants, followed by rock band OFF. Next in line were the Tetseo Sisters. Dressed in traditional attire and with traditional musical instruments, this group of four held the audience spellbound with their folk renditions.
When Lama Tashi, the principal chant master of the Dalai Lama, began to perform Tibetan chants, a sense of calm descended on the hall. Lama Tashi, also known as the “Singing Monk” was accompanied by three others.
The best performance was kept for the end — a classical performance by Bhatt. A slide guitar player, Bhatt presented a medley of melodies, whose strains remained with the listeners long after the evening was over.