Bajaj Electronics Presents World-Renowned Konya Turkish Sufi Music and Whirling Dervishes Ensemble at ShilpaKala Vedika

An evening of spellbinding Sufi music and ethereal performances by the Whirling Dervishes of the Konya Ensemble left Hyderabadi audiences in the packed auditorium of Shilpa Kala Vedika mesmerized. Brought to the city by the Turkish Consulate in association with Bajaj Electronics, in this year celebrating Mevlana Jallal al -Din Muhammad Rumi’s life work, the performance celebrated the oneness of all people. 

Speaking about the association, Mr Karan Bajaj, CEO & Director of Bajaj Electronics said, “The entire concept of universal love and the Whirling Dervishes got us inspired to support the cause. Hyderabad City has always been a place of peace and prosperity, this is the city that believes in universal harmony”.

As Consul General of the Republic of Turkiye, Orhan Yalman Okan, stated in an interview at the sidelines, “Sufism is the essence of Islam. It’s a historic moment, celebrating the similarities between Turkey and India, celebrating love and tolerance.” Arranged by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the rhythms and frequencies of the ancient instruments of Turkey and the reverberations of the Sufi lyrics, made for a sensory experience. “The instruments are so special; they connect one’s resonance to that of the universal resonance,” he added. 

The evening began with ethereal Turkish Sufi music, which left the audience spellbound by its hypnotic melody, beyond the barriers of language and faith. Then, the ensemble began the seven-stage performance by the dervishes or Semazens, representing love for the divine creator.

SEMA, which means ‘enraptured in music’, is a ceremony performed as part of the meditation and prayer that is said t be connecting the soul with the divine. The whirling signifies the turning of a human being towards the Truth and aligns to the scientific understanding that spinning is a fundamental condition of existence, from protons to the planets, in rhythm with nature. 

Speaking about the performance, Arvind Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, MAUD, said, “The event was a divine experience! The cultural revival happening in Hyderabad is amazing, and people are loving it. We should aim to have an annual cultural calendar in the city.”  An elated DGP Anjani Kumar added, “We have read about the Whirling Dervishes and seen videos, but the experience to see them live was out of the world. It is as if you are peeping inside your inner self and uniting with the almighty.”

The packed hall had people of all ages who travelled far distances to be there. Homi Parakh, who heard about the ensemble 30 years ago when he was in New York, made it a point attend. He said “The entire experience, the music, and the melody in their voices, was fascinating. Of course, it was a bit spiritual, but its truly unique and different, and am so pleased to have heard it right here in Hyderabad.” C V Anand, Commissioner Police, also found the evening to be truly enlightening. 

An enthralled Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary, IC&IT, said the ensemble’s repertoire reminded him of the intermittent chakkars of the Lucknowi Kathak performances, “I am from Lucknow, the birthplace of Kathak, but to watch this non-stop whirl, in a state of absolute trance, with soothing Sufi music, was really an out-of-the-world experience.”  

The event was presented by Presenting Sponsor : Bajaj Electronics Powered by : Audio & Beyond Supported by : Telangana Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Turkey, Turkish Airlines Hospitality Partner: Trident Hyderabad In association with: Indo Turkish Property & Business Consultants, Gourmet Baklava, Neerus Indian Ethnic, Centro , Hashmi Group, Prestige Group, RBL Bank, Vitra, Furniture World, Adama, C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers, Three Mango Spices & Pickles, Unique Engineering & Machineries.