Sufi Celebration at Mysore Palace: King of Vocal Sufi “Pandit Mir Mukthiyar Ali”

                      Sufi Celebration at Mysore Palace: King of Vocal Sufi “Pandit Mir Mukthiyar Ali”-heylos

Sufism is a mystical movement of Islam. The name derives from the woolen clothing (suf), worn by Sufis as a token of penitence. The community drifted from the main stream with a different beliefs.  Many conservative Muslims disagree with many popular Sufi practices, particularly saint worship, the visiting of tombs, and incorporation some other non-Islamic customs. Consequently, in recent centuries Sufism has been a target for Islamic reformist and modernist movements. To some Sufism denotes humanitarianism, tolerance, harmony, love of mankind and the attempt to achieve spiritual fellowship. To a few, the Sufis are dreamers, rebels and meddlers who interfere with other religions. 

Right from Amir Khusro, who is the forefather of quawali and Tabla, to Rumi, Hafiz, Khwaja Gulam Farid to Mir Mukhtiyar Ali or Abbas Ali, they denote a different musical culture, through which they try to realize God.  The songs created by the Sufi singers are known as Sufiyana.  They use metaphors from day to day life, but an inner meaning will lead to a greater philosophy.  There are many exponents of Sufiyana and Mir Mukhyar Ali, is one of the acclaimed present day singers.

Mukhtiyar Ali is from a small village called Pugal 86 Kms from Bikaner of Rajasthan, just 40 Kms from the Pakistan border. He is from the semi-nomadic Mirasi Community which hails from the Thar Desert. Mukhtiyar represents the 26th generation of this humble lineage which has successfully kept alive the oral tradition of Sufiana Qalam. Mukhtiyar says that the 27th generation is also ready, as his 19 year old son is an exponent of Sufi music. 

It is said that not to sing is almost equivalent to Blasphemy in that community.   In lighter vain he says, nobody gives a girl in marriage to a young man whose family has no singer.   The music is practiced by listening to elders.  Only sometimes the elders may correct them, but regular tutelage is almost absent he says. The Mirasi lineage has preserved the heritage of Sufiana Qalam, through all these generations, witnessing war, droughts, religious backlash and economic penury. Mukhtiyar laments that rarely there is time to experience what the traditional music truly offers, the instant gratification, as in every field, in the name of comfort.

Mir Mukthiyar Ali says "I am the first person from the community to travel this far. My father found it intimidating to travel even to Bikaner," says Mukhtiyar and laughs.   This is in fact his third visit to Mysore.  He is humble enough to say that he has no formal training in Music and does not understand the Raag or Taal.  He has no formal education in a school too.

 The jam packed illuminated Palace began submerging and dancing to the tune of his songs Some of the popular numbers which he sang tonight were O Mera Sona Sajan of Khusru, Khaja Mere Khwaja of Khwaja Garib Nawaz.  A Sufi concert without the most popular Dhamaa Dham Mast Khalandar can never be complete. Many from the auditorium were seen dancing to the tune, with frenzy. The last but one song Sang Ik Pal Chain Na Aave, a Rajasthani folk song, in Sufi style, also got equal response from the audience.  He concluded with Mera Piya Ghar Nahi Aya of Khusru, with thunderous claps from the listeners and asking for more.

We from the heylos team were lucky enough to spend a couple of minutes with this renowned singer who has travelled far and vide across the globe from Belgium,Greece to London and has attracted millions of followers for his god gifted talented voice . we were extremely happy and amazed to see such down to earth personality who agreed to take a memorable pics even after 2 long hours of performance. He runs a school at his village where you can participate and teach the kids .This school named “Sarojini”is very unique because none of his community members have ever gone to school, hence he has made all efforts to make his community a better place to live and educate the children.

Mukhtiyar has an amazing range in his voice and though he claims that he has no formal training in music, landing in the perfect Swara from anywhere is remarkable.  In all, he won the hearts of connoisseurs of Mysore.  He was accompanied by Fakruddin in co-singing and on the Harmonium, Dayam Ali Khan on Sarangi, Ashok Kumar on Tabla and Rakesh Kumar on Dholak.  The songs though rhythmic, have many things to ponder over and not meant for an emotional dance. The deep message of wisdom, love, peace and dignity for all life inherent in the teachings of these Sufi mystics, will be lost if the Sufiyana is equated to that category

For his live music visit www.youtube.com/heylosinc , 

Famous Teri Dewani song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhzYGWJUrrM
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Heylos