Mangaluru: Neeharika Deraje enthrals audience at 8th Baithak with Hindustani vocal recital

Mangaluru: Neeharika Deraje enthrals audience at 8th Baithak with Hindustani vocal recital

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 31, 2026: Young Hindustani vocalist Neeharika Deraje enthralled music lovers with her recital at the eighth edition of Baithak@Kodialguthu, organised by the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter and Art Kanara Trust at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballalbagh, on Saturday.

The programme, part of the Musical Heritage of Karnataka series, marked the resumption of the Baithak after a long gap. Neeharika was accompanied by Shrivathsa Sharma on tabla, Medha G. Bhat on harmonium and Samveda G. Bhat on tanpura.

The programme began with an introduction by INTACH Mangaluru Chapter Convener Subhas Basu, who welcomed the audience and expressed happiness over the resumption of the Baithak series. INTACH member Sharvani Bhat introduced the artistes, followed by their felicitation. Former MLC Capt. Ganesh Karnik and Dr Anurag Bhargava, Professor, KMC Mangaluru, were among those present.

A disciple of Pt. Ravikiran Manipal for more than 12 years, Neeharika began her recital with Raag Puriya Dhanashree, presenting Sooraj Doob Gayori in Vilambit Khayal, followed by Mora Mora Ree and Tori Jai Jaikartar in Drut Khayal. She then presented Jai Jai Jai Durge Mata, Neeko Lage Maa Darsan and a Tarana in Raag Durga.

She continued with devotional compositions, including Kabir bhajans Ram Niranjan Nyara Re and Ghat Ghat Me Panchi Bolta, the Bengali bhajan Bhubhano Mohini, the Vachana Nudidare Muttina Hara and Purandara Dasa’s Ee Pariya Sobagu.

Born into a family of artistes, Neeharika was introduced to music by her parents, Bharavi Deraje and Yashaswini Deraje. She has received scholarships from Sursagar, Bengaluru, and the Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy and has won several music competitions.

She was a finalist in Passion 2021 conducted by Suranjan Trust, Mumbai, secured first place in the State-level Classical Vocal competition and represented Karnataka at the national-level Kala Utsav 2024. She also won first place in the State-level Pratibha Karanji competition in Ghazal Singing.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Deekshith R. Pai, member of the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter.