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    World Music Day is also known as Fête de la Musique. It is celebrated annually on June 21. It originated in France, where citizens were encouraged to play music in their homes and neighbourhoods. The English word ‘music’ originates from the Arabic word ‘Mausiki.’ 

    The world has never been bereft of music. The veena of Goddess Saraswati symbolises the harmony of the universe. It is the melodic balance of speech, sound, and silence. Meera Bai’s bhajans captivate listeners with love and devotion. She sang for Lord Krishna. “Mere to Giridhar Gopal, doosro na koi” (I belong only to Giridhar Gopal, no one else.) In her Vakhs, Lal Ded, the 14th-century Kashmiri mystic poet, speaks of an inner sound or vibration that leads to spiritual awakening. The idea supports the Indian philosophical concept of Nada Brahma—the belief that the universe itself is the divine sound.

    “Mujh se pehli si mohabbat meri mehboob na maang, Mausiki mein bhi ab woh halaat nahin rahe.” (Do not ask me for the love I once gave you. Music no longer holds the same sweetness.) In this line, Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz intertwines lost love with the fading joy in music, linking emotion with melody.  

    Tansen believed music was the path to the divine. His practice was deeply spiritual, and he often sang in praise of Lord Krishna. According to legends, Tansen could light lamps with Raga Deepak, bring rain with Raga Megh Malhar, and calm wild animals with appropriate ragas. Though these tales may be exaggerated, they reflect the belief that music is a natural force, not merely an art form, but a form of sadhana (spiritual discipline). Tansen said, “Raag aur taal ke bina sangeet adhoora hai. Sangeet vo hai jo man ko shaant kare aur bhagwan se milaye.” (“Music without raga and rhythm is incomplete. True music is that which calms the mind and brings one closer to God.”)

    Mystic poet Kabir did not regard music merely as an art but as a sacred practice and a direct path to the divine. His verses (dohas) often express the idea that true music arises from within, when the soul becomes attuned to the divine presence. 

    Greek composer Vangelis, whose iconic theme ‘Çhariots of Fire’ (fit to be the Olympic hymn) won him an Academy Award in 1981, conveys his underlying craving for music. He believed that music shaped the universe and that he understood the world through music. Vangelis believed in ‘Sadhana’. 

    André Rieu, the famous Dutch violinist and conductor, emphasises the emotional and universal nature of music: “I make music to touch the souls of people as it’s a language we all can speak.” German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously stated, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Persian Poet Rumi believed passionately in the use of music, poetry, and dance as a path for reaching God. For Rumi, music helped devotees concentrate their whole being on the divine. Rumi encouraged Sama to listen to music and engage in the sacred dance. Rumi’s favourite musical instrument was the reed flute … ‘Listen to the reed and the tale it tells’. 

    “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between,” was Mozart’s take, and “Music should strike fire from the heart of man and bring tears from the eyes of woman,” proclaimed Beethoven. “If music be the food of love, play on,” wrote Shakespeare, in Twelfth Night.

    And finally, life is best described in the musical song ‘Que Sera Sera. Whatever will be will be,’ written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Let music be your companion in joy, in sorrow, and in silence. Happy World Music Day. 

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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