Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the mouth organ is like Lord Krishna’s flute, with both encompassing all seven musical notes. He said musical vibrations are present throughout nature and cited the sound of raindrops as inspiration for creating Lord Shiva’s damaru, one of the earliest musical instruments.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said Madhya Pradesh is fortunate to have two Jyotirlingas, Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar. He said the spiritual traditions associated with these sacred places are closely connected with music and the experience of divine sound. The Chief Minister added that the 64 arts and 14 branches of learning have held a special place in Indian culture since the eras of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the inaugural session of the Indian Mouth Organ Players’ Meet-2026, organised as part of the 13th Indian Harmonica Festival. He inaugurated the All India Mouth Organ Players’ Conference by lighting the ceremonial lamp at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backwards Classes and Minorities Welfare, Smt. Krishna Gaur, was also present.
180 Artists from 16 States Participate
Around 180 artists, aged 7 to 87, from 16 states are participating in the Bhopal festival. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the event brings together artists from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and reflects the richness of India’s musical traditions. He said the state government is promoting art, culture and emerging talent as part of its broader development efforts. In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of development rooted in heritage, Madhya Pradesh is also giving special emphasis to preserving and promoting traditional art forms.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted the state’s rich musical legacy, citing stalwarts such as Tansen, Baiju Bawra and Kumar Gandharva. He also recalled the contributions of R.D. Burman, Sachin Dev Burman and other musicians who have enriched Indian music. The Chief Minister noted that legendary singer Kishore Kumar hailed from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. An exhibition of ancient musical instruments is on display at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain.
Artists Present Captivating Performances
Seventeen-year-old Siddhi Soni opened the performances with Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye, followed by Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram and other devotional songs.
At Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s request, 87-year-old Shri V.M. Trivedi and Indian Harmonica Group founder Shri Anupam Paul performed melodious tunes, including Aa Ja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein. Shri Sai Tejas from Bengaluru presented harmonica renditions of popular songs featuring Shammi Kapoor. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav appreciated the performances and the participation of artists from across the country.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Neeraj Mandloi, senior administrative officers Shri Shreeman Shukla and Smt. Kalpana Shrivastava, and State General Secretary Shri Gaurav Randive were present.
