Lucknow: An evening of devotional music and spiritual storytelling brought families, children, youngsters and senior citizens together at Prominent Mall on Sitapur Road. The two-hour-long Bhajan Jamming programme, held from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, saw enthusiastic participation as visitors sang along, clapped and immersed themselves in the devotional atmosphere.
The programme began with hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman before moving on to devotional offerings to Maa Sherawali and musical narrations based on Lord Krishna, Radha and Sudama.
The event was organised on the initiative of Prominent Mall owner Amit Krishna Srivastava. According to the organisers, his deep devotion to Lord Hanuman inspired the programme. The initiative was based on the idea that a shopping mall could also become a space for community engagement, cultural activities and spiritual gatherings. The event was open to everyone and free of charge.
The evening opened with the Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman Ashtak and prayers to Sankat Mochan.
Raj Smriti’s storytelling adds an emotional touch
The programme was hosted by Raj Smriti, a recipient of the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman, who also led the devotional storytelling sessions. Through her narration, she explained the significance of the Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman Ashtak before connecting Hanuman’s devotion to his mother Anjani with the worship of Maa Sherawali.
She later took the audience through the story of Krishna and Sudama, bringing alive the emotions associated with their friendship. The narration of Sudama’s meeting with Lord Krishna moved several people in the audience, with some visibly overwhelmed.
Manuj Sharma and son Adhyatm impress audience
Singer Manuj Sharma, associated with T-Series and Doordarshan, performed alongside his son Adhyatm Sharma. The father-son duo presented several popular devotional numbers, including Hanuman bhajans, ‘Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye’ and ‘Are Dwarpalo, Kanhaiya Se Keh Do’.
Their performances and coordination received an enthusiastic response, with visitors joining in the singing.
Young singer Gaura Trivedi wins applause
Young vocalist Gaura Trivedi was another highlight of the evening. Her confident stage presence, clear voice and expressive rendition of devotional songs drew applause from the audience. Several attendees encouraged her with their appreciation and blessings.
Folktales Studio Band adds a musical dimension
Folktales Studio Band provided live instrumental support and musical arrangements throughout the programme. Its performances complemented the range of devotional presentations, from energetic Hanuman bhajans to the more emotional Krishna-Sudama episodes, combining traditional devotional music with a contemporary live performance format.
The programme concluded with chants of ‘Jai Hanuman’ and ‘Jai Maa Sherawali’ echoing through the mall premises.
According to the organisers, several visitors requested that the event be held again. The mall management expressed its intention to develop Bhajan Jamming into a regular devotional gathering in Lucknow.
The management thanked the performers, visitors and Amit Krishna Srivastava for their contributions to the event.
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