The 13th Indian Harmonica Festival began in Bhopal, with CM Mohan Yadav inaugurating the event at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium. Around 200 harmonica artists participated, making it the first time the festival was held in Madhya Pradesh. Yadav linked the event to Prime Minister Modi’s 'Virasat se Vikas' vision and la
Bhopal. Friday. Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium. The air hummed.
Not with crowd noise. With harmonicas. 200 of them. For the first time, Madhya Pradesh hosted the Indian Harmonica Festival — and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stood at the podium, flanked by players who’d flown in from across India. He called it a moment of pride.
“This is the 13th edition,” he said, “organised by the Harmonica Association, specifically for mouth organ players.” A quiet instrument. A loud gesture. He welcomed them on Gandhi Jayanti. On Shastri Jayanti.
Two national days. One small stage. But big meaning. He linked it to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Virasat se Vikas’, development through heritage.
“We are encouraging artistes from various states,” he added. “In this spirit, I welcome and felicitate them.” Then came the surprise. A young girl. Siddhi Soni.
Her performance? “Wonderful,” said Yadav. “It boosted enthusiasm.” No one else spoke. No other names were mentioned.
Just her. And the sound. The festival wasn’t just about music. It was about visibility.
About giving space to an instrument that rarely gets its due. That doesn’t play lead in films. Doesn’t dominate playlists. But here, in Bhopal, it did.
For three days, the harmonica ruled. The CM didn’t just open the event. He leaned into it. Walked through the Khadi Gram Udyog Bhavan.
Bought khadi cloth. Turned a charkha. All part of the same day. All part of the same message: tradition isn’t just history.
It’s action. So what happens next? Will other states follow? Or will this remain a one-off in the capital of MP?
The answer lies not in speeches. But in the next note.
Be the first to comment
Join the argument. No password, just your email or a passkey.