SANJAY PANDITA
In the heart of the majestic Kashmir Valley, where snow-capped peaks stand as silent sentinels to centuries of rich cultural heritage, lies a realm where music becomes more than mere notes. It transforms into an ethereal experience, weaving together the threads of spirituality, poetry, and tradition. Here, amidst the breathtaking vistas of verdant landscapes and azure skies, the enchanting melody of Sufiyana music resonates, echoing the soulful essence of Kashmiri mysticism.
Sufiyana music, with its roots deeply entrenched in the mystical traditions of Sufism, has flourished in the valleys of Kashmir for generations. It is not merely a form of artistic expression but a spiritual journey, a pathway to divine love and spiritual devotion. Through its haunting melodies, intricate rhythms, and soul-stirring lyrics, Sufiyana music transcends earthly boundaries, touching the hearts and souls of listeners, and inviting them to embark on a quest for inner introspection and enlightenment.
The melodies of Sufiyana music evoke a sense of longing, of yearning for a connection beyond the physical realm. Each note seems to carry the weight of centuries of tradition, passed down through generations of musicians who have devoted their lives to preserving this sacred art form. In the delicate interplay of instruments and voices, listeners find solace, a refuge from the chaos of the world, and a glimpse into the transcendent beauty of the divine.
Yet, amidst the timeless tapestry of Sufiyana music, there are few who have dared to tread the path of its intricate melodies and profound spirituality. One such luminary is ustad Gulam Mohd Saznawaaz , whose name is whispered in reverence among aficionados of Kashmiri music.
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With a mastery of the santoor that borders on the divine, ustad Gulam Mohd Saznawaaz has breathed new life into the ancient tradition of Sufiyana music, infusing it with his own unique style and interpretation. Through his virtuoso performances and unwavering dedication, he become a torchbearer for this sacred art form, ensuring that the flame of Sufiyana music continues to burn bright in the Kashmir Valley and beyond. In the annals of Kashmiri music history, his name resonates with reverence and admiration.
Born in 1940 in the picturesque surroundings of Danamazar Safakadal, Srinagar, Saznawaz inherited the legacy of his forefathers, tracing his musical lineage back to the revered Ustad Hadi Joo, who graced the Kashmir Valley during the Mughal era. Under the tutelage of his illustrious father, Ustad Ramzan Joo, and his uncle, Ustad Sidiq Joo, young Saznawaz embarked on his musical odyssey at the tender age of six.
Immersed in the rich tapestry of Sufiyana melodies, Saznawaz honed his craft with unparalleled dedication and finesse, swiftly ascending the ranks of mastery. Endowed with a rare gift, he earned the epithet “Panjhatheyari” – the Sufiyana master capable of weaving magic with all five instruments of the ensemble: santoor, sitar, tabla, saz-e-Kashmir, and madham.
His repertoire extended beyond mere instrumental prowess, delving into the intricate nuances of muqams and talas, weaving a symphony of ragas like mukhammus, neemsakeel, and neemdour with mesmerizing expertise. Yet, it was his mastery over rhythm, his impeccable laikari, that truly captivated audiences, transporting them to realms of spiritual ecstasy.
Saznawaz’s mellifluous voice breathed life into Persian poetry, infusing each verse with a soul-stirring resonance that resonated deep within the hearts of listeners. His performances, whether on the airwaves of Radio Kashmir or on prestigious stages across the nation, were legendary, earning him adoration and acclaim far and wide.
Through his tireless dedication and unwavering passion, Saznawaz transcended the boundaries of time and space, imprinting his indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kashmir. His legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend earthly realms and touch the very essence of the human soul.
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But for Ustad Saznawaz, Sufiyana music was not merely a personal pursuit—it was a sacred inheritance, a legacy passed down through generations of the illustrious Saznawaz family. Their name became synonymous with excellence, their home a sanctuary where music reverberated through the corridors, touching hearts and souls alike.
Through the ages, the Saznawaz family played a pivotal role in elevating Sufiyana music to national acclaim, their melodies resonating far beyond the borders of Kashmir. They became the custodians of a tradition, guardians of a cultural treasure that spoke to the very essence of Kashmiri identity.
With each note they played, each rhythm they crafted, the Saznawaz family wove a tapestry of beauty and depth, enriching lives with the transcendent power of music. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts were not just a testament to their skill but a testament to the resilience and spirit of Kashmiri culture itself. In the hands of Ustad Saznawaz and his kin, Sufiyana music flourished, a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness.
The melodious strains of Ustad Saznawaz’s Sufiyana compositions reverberated beyond the confines of private gatherings, captivating audiences far and wide. His mesmerizing performances, steeped in tradition yet imbued with innovation, garnered widespread acclaim. The corridors of Radio Kashmir bore witness to his virtuosity, as he enchanted listeners with his soul-stirring renditions, earning him a permanent place as a staff artist.
His unwavering dedication to preserving and propagating the art of Sufiyana music served as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. Through his mastery of melody and rhythm, he breathed life into ancient traditions, ensuring that the echoes of Sufiyana music would resonate for generations to come.
Amidst the hallowed melodies of tradition, he embarked upon a noble endeavor: the inception of the ‘Saaznawaz Sufiyana Training Institute,’ a bastion dedicated to nurturing the timeless strains of santoor and safeguarding the sacred heritage of Sufiyana music.
Yet, within the hallowed halls of his institute, a haunting solitude lingered, a lamentation echoing the absence of eager disciples. .
The maestro, a custodian of Kashmiri Sufiyana music’s sacred Maqams, stands as a solitary sentinel amidst a fading tapestry of tradition. In the elegiac whispers of fellow artists, there lingers a mournful refrain: with the passing of Ustad Ghulam Muhammad Saaznawaz, the ethereal melodies of Kashmiri Sufiyana music risk fading into the abyss of oblivion, a lamentation echoing through the corridors of time.
In the illustrious tapestry of musical luminaries, one name shines with the brilliance of a thousand suns: Ustad Saznawaz. Adorned with accolades akin to celestial constellations, his journey through the realms of Sufi music is a symphony of excellence, adorned with the rarest of honors.
The echoes of his virtuosity reverberate through the corridors of recognition, as evidenced by the prestigious “Sanad” appreciation bestowed upon him by the revered Sadiq Memorial Committee. The resplendent melody of his artistry captured the hearts of the nation, leading to the coveted Sangeet Natak Academy Award, a testament to his unparalleled mastery, conferred upon him by the central government.
Yet, the melody of his acclaim does not cease there. Like a river nourishing parched lands, Ustad Saznawaz’s contributions flowed far and wide, earning him the Tulsi Award from the esteemed Madhya Pradesh government. In the rich tapestry of regional recognition, his name is embroidered with the threads of the Shakir and Aslam Awards, bestowed upon him by the state government, each accolade a jewel in the crown of his legacy.
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The melody of his acclaim, however, transcends geographical boundaries, reaching across oceans to touch the shores of distant lands. In a testament to his global resonance, the American Biographical Institute crowned him as the “Man of the Year 2001,” a title that resonates with the gravity of his musical prowess.
In the annals of Sufi music, Ustad Saznawaz stands not only as a maestro but as a beacon of inspiration, his achievements serving as a testament to the transcendent power of music to unite hearts and souls across the expanse of humanity.
In a world where the echoes of tradition often fade into oblivion, Ustad Saznawaz stand as pillars of resilience, guardians of a musical legacy, and ambassadors of the soul-stirring melodies that define Kashmiri Sufiana music. Theirs is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the symphony of tradition alive for generations to come.
Through the story of Ustad Ghulam Muhammad Saaznawaz and the Saznawaz family, we glimpse the profound impact of music as a conduit for cultural preservation and spiritual transcendence. Their journey exemplifies the enduring power of art to unite hearts and minds, transcending barriers of language and ideology. As the strains of Sufiyana music continue to echo through the valleys of Kashmir, they carry with them the essence of a rich cultural heritage, resonating with the harmonies of the soul.
On 13 April, 2014 ,the melodies of Sufiyana music mourned the loss of their greatest exponent, as Ustad Ghulam Mohammad Saznawaz departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through the ages, an eternal symphony of love and devotion.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com