Music melange with a green message, to save rustic music

BHOPAL: They are taking the musical route to spread a green message this Holi season, also known as ‘Chait’ season. An open society of musicians, Eclectica, is highlighting the issue of changing landscapes of the world due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation through awadhi folk music Chaiti.
Eclectica is an open band, idea of which was conceived by the students of School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal.It celebrates the congregation of people and their ideas and expression through music.
“Social awareness can be created through poignant poetry and soulful music, and we are working in that direction. We are making efforts to solve the major problems plaguing the world at the moment. This Holi, we are highlighting the threats of changing landscapes across the world due to global warming,” said Satyam Sangwan, a member of Eclectica.
At MANIT’s fest MAFFICK'16, singer Mudit Chaturvedi, bassist Satyam Sangwan and drummer Purnendu spearheaded the performance with their upcoming song Chaiti.
Various musicians and activists have appreciated their noble initiative and they are also supported under the Chaiti project of Anhad Foundation.
“Chaiti is traditionally sung in villages and towns of Uttar Pradesh (predominantly in Banaras, Mirzapur, Mathura and Allahabad), Madhya Pradesh and the Bhojpur region of Bihar. It is our bid to recognise the core areas where music is facing threat due to environmental, social and economical factors. We are also trying to solve such issues by music itself. We collaborate with fellow musicians, curators, writers and thinkers to impact the society in a melodic way,” said one of the staff associated with Chaiti project.
“Chaiti project was close to team’s lead singer Sunakshi Raina’s heart, who passed away on December 24, 2013. Sunakshi always believed in music as a medium of social change. She presented a melody of her times before there was no urbanization through rustic lyrics. We even have a beautiful video ready as a tribute to her,” said the team members.