Published on: September 12, 2026
The poetry of Maharashtra’s saints found a heartfelt voice as Rahul Deshpande brought Abhangawari 2026 to Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur on July 12. Rooted in devotion to Lord Vitthala, the musical evening celebrated a tradition that continues to connect people across generations.
Through the verses of Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev and Sant Eknath, Deshpande brought together the musical richness and emotional depth of Maharashtra’s Bhakti heritage. At the heart of the presentation were the enduring ideas that make these compositions so personal: faith, compassion, surrender and the search for meaning in everyday life.
The beauty of an abhang lies in its ability to speak simply about profound emotions. For many, these are words first heard at home, in a grandparent’s voice or during a visit to a temple. Presented on stage, they carry those memories into a shared space, allowing a familiar composition to be experienced afresh.
Deshpande’s Abhangawari draws on that connection. His classical grounding gives the music depth, while the directness of the saint-poets’ words keeps its emotional heart accessible. The Nagpur presentation continued this meeting of musical artistry and devotion, placing the poetry and its meaning at the centre of the experience.
Now in its 12th year, Abhangawari has grown into a continuing journey through Maharashtra’s devotional repertoire. Its nationwide performances bring this heritage to longstanding listeners while opening a door for younger audiences to discover the saint-poets through live music.
The Nagpur chapter carried that purpose forward, celebrating a musical tradition that belongs as much to the present as it does to the past. Through Abhangawari, Rahul Deshpande continues to give these cherished verses a living voice—and another generation a reason to listen.
