Ashit and Hema Desai

Like separate threads that come together in a beautiful braid, the individual talents of Ashit and Hema, Desai have been woven together for the last twenty ears. Their partnership is both personal as well as professional. The meteoric rise to frame achieved by this duo may have been equaled by very few and surpassed by fewer still.

It has been a prolific partnership; more than sixty albums already released, in addition to innumerable live concert performances. The fare includes some Hindi Bhajans and Ghazals, and many Bhajans, folk songs, Ghazals and Sugam Sanger renderings in Gujarati and Hindi. Ashit and Hema are frequent and popular performers on all India Radio and numerous television channels. Their involvement in creative music is total and complete. They have pioneered the concept of thematic concerts, which highlights the rich traditions of Gujarat and are marked by a high aesthetic quality. Success at home has brought them opportunities for equally successful concerts abroad, where they have regaled large audiences.

Yet, to the manner born, the musical Desais’ remain a modest and affable couple.

Sanjeev Abhyankar

A well-established name among the vocalists today, Sanjeev’s training in music started early in life. His mother, Shobha Abhyankar was his first guru who introduced him to the world of Indian classical music when he was just eight years old. Later he trained under Pandit Pimpalkar and eventually was groomed by Padmavibhushan Sanger Martand Pandit Jasraj. Sanjeev has the gift of a supple, sweet voice that glides effortlessly across the octaves, and, he knows how to use these assets to unfold and embellish the beauty of the compositions to the optimum. He is deeply influenced by his legendary Guru Pandit Jasraj. However, he is far from being a mere replica of the maestro and leaves a lasting impression of his individuality using his own creative intelligence. He has been invited to participate in numerous prestigious music festivals all over India. Audiences the world over adore him too.

Devaki Pandit

Her maturity as a performer has really impressed the critics on the Indian sub-continent. This could be attributed to the advantage she had of being born and brought up in a family of renowned musicians. Her mother, Usha Pandit, herself a well known disciple of Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, was her first Guru. Since the age of ten she has imbibed music from many other maestros including Kishori Amonkar. Her versatility has brought her fame in the Indian film industry as a playback singer too. Devaki Pandit is one of the rising stars of Indian classical vocal music.

Sacred Mantras of India has been produced by Hemant Mattani, Sona Rupa Group, U.K., whose years abroad have still not distanced him from Indian tradition and values, and who continues in the footsteps of his father Chandubhai Mattani.

1. Chants- Raag Bhatiyar: Sanjeev Abhyankar
Surya Mantra- Aditya Hridayam, Pratah Smaran, Gayatri Mantra

2. Chants- Raag Parmeshwari: Devaki Pandit
Ganesh Mantra, Guru Stuti, Vasudev Sutam Devam, Saraswati Mantra

3. Chants- Raag Bilawal: Hema Desai
Omkar Vindu, Mukam Karoti Vachalam, Kayena Vacha, Tvamev Mata

4. Chants- Raag Gorakh Kalyan: Ashit Desai
Asato Maa, Purna Mada, Sarve Bhavantu, Sahana Vavatu

5. Chants- Raag Bhairavi: Sanjeev Abhayankar & Devaki Pandit
Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya, Ya Devi Sarve Bhuteshu, Sara Mangal Mangalye, Shanti Mantra

Music composed & arranged by Ashit Desai
Conceived & Produced by Hmant Mattani
Recorded at Trio Digital by Hassan Sheikh & Brandon Cooper
And at Ajivasan Sounds by Pramod Ghaisas & Mandar Wadkar
Digitally Pro Mastered in UK.