NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is presenting its own ode to the monsoon – which is awaited by all to give a relief from the scorching heat – with two programmes which highlight the ragas and melodies based on classical music inspired by the rains.

DD Bharati will telecast Ghan Garaje featuring Pt. Kumar Gandharva and Shobha Gurtu, on 19 July at 09:00 pm. The show will also see a repeat on 20 July at 05:00 am and 01:00 pm. This will be followed by an archival presentation The exalted portals of Thumri on 20 July at 9.00 pm and the repeat telecast at 5.00 am and 1.00 pm on 21 July.

In Ghan Garaje, Gandharva and Gurtu will revoke Lord Indra (Rain God) with their music. In The exalted portals of Thumri, one can come closer to the three thumri queens —Naina Devi, Begum Akhtar and Girija Devi.

The three regale their audience with their thumri repertoire. It is a virtual treat for those who have never heard them before as Naina Devi sings thumri, Begum Akhtar dwells on joli and Girija Devi recites a dadra.

According to Doordarshan, there is a firm belief in Indians that music can change everything and it is the only art which remains pure irrespective of its form. Whether it is sung, played or heard, music never changes but influences those who are a part of its depth and untouched beauty.

DD Bharati has also attempted to question people’s knowledge of the beauty of ragas. For example, while a few still remember Raga Deepak or Raga Amruthavarshini, the next generation is generally unaware of Baiju Bawra, Meera, Urvashi and her powers.

The aim of DD Bharati is to revive these bits of knowledge that is slowly disappearing, through its programmes on Indian art and culture and take them to an international level.