Mehfil Under the Moon
Why Mehfil Under the Moon.
Mehfil Under the Moon’ is more than just an event—it’s a heartfelt expression of our cultural roots and shared stories. The concept of a mehfil (gathering) has always been central to South Asian tradition, where friends, family, and even strangers come together to share music, poetry, and stories, creating an intimate sense of community.
The name ‘Under the Moon’ symbolizes a space free from boundaries, much like the moon that shines for everyone, everywhere. We’ve created this evening with the intention of evoking the timeless beauty and serenity of a baithak-style gathering—an open, welcoming space where music flows as effortlessly as conversations among old friends.
In today's fast-paced world, ‘Mehfil Under the Moon’ is our way of slowing down and reconnecting with the simple joys of live, unfiltered music, under the soft glow of candlelight, with an emphasis on the power of art to heal, bond, and inspire. Whether it's your first time attending or you’ve been to our events before, we hope this mehfil fills your heart with warmth and leaves you with lasting memories.
Welcome to Dashmi Fest 2024 .
Before we begin, it’s important to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded, stolen lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We honor the caretakers of these lands and extend our respect to their communities, both past and present.
Welcome to ‘Mehfil Under the Moon’ at Dashmi Fest 2024! Tonight, we celebrate the essence of music, culture, and community in an intimate, candlelit baithak setting. This event is a tribute to the rich tradition of mehfil, where music, poetry, and stories blend seamlessly, bringing people together in a spirit of shared cultural heritage.
This evening’s highlight is Raag Bageshri, a midnight raaga known for its soulful notes and deep emotional resonance. The raaga embodies the serenity and longing of the night, inviting peaceful introspection. We begin with Prashant Shashikumar’s sitar performance, followed by a jugalbandi with Daksh Kubba, both on sitar, accompanied by the dynamic beats of Rishi Rajeev on tabla. We will conclude with Daksh’s beautiful renditions of traditional folk songs, bringing the evening to a heartwarming close.
We want to extend a special thank you to Punjabi Market Collective, our proud sponsor for this event. Their unwavering support has made ‘Mehfil Under the Moon’ possible, helping us bring this cultural experience to life. We are also grateful to TCS Photography, our Film and Media Partner, for capturing the spirit of tonight and preserving these beautiful moments.
Additionally, we are thankful to our festival sponsors—Granville College, Natashja Rathore, Sahaj Yoga Meditation, and Babbar Movies—for their generous contributions that have enabled Dashmi Fest to become a reality. We also appreciate our community outreach partners, Sher Vancouver and Gurukul: Music School, for their collaboration and support.
A big shoutout to our talented artists, who have offered their time and passion pro-bono to create this special evening. We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated Dashmi Fest team, volunteers, and everyone working behind the scenes for their hard work and dedication.
Please remember, in the spirit of a traditional baithak, we have white sheets laid on the floor, so please use the cushions you brought for added comfort. We also acknowledge that the venue has a few stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Thank you for your understanding.
We are thrilled to have you here tonight. Let the music of Raag Bageshri create unforgettable memories as we celebrate this soulful mehfil together.m.
Prashant Shashikumar
Prashant Shashikumar is a gifted Indo-Canadian sitarist known for his dedication to preserving the classical roots of Indian music while also exploring new horizons. A disciple of sitar maestro Sharanjeet Singh Mand, Prashant belongs to the revered Imdadkhani gharana, a school of music recognized for its soulful, expressive renditions. Prashant has performed extensively across the Lower Mainland, sharing the beauty of Indian classical music with diverse audiences. His love for the sitar is matched only by his passion for creating spaces where music serves as a bridge between cultures. Tonight, Prashant’s performance of Raag Bageshri is sure to transport us to the depths of the midnight raaga’s tranquility.
Daksh Kubba
Daksh Kubba is a versatile sitarist and vocalist whose deep-rooted love for classical music is evident in every note he plays. Trained under some of India’s most respected musicians, Daksh blends his classical expertise with a contemporary approach, making his performances both immersive and accessible. Known for his ability to evoke strong emotions through his music, Daksh's vocal renditions are just as mesmerizing as his sitar compositions. During tonight’s mehfil, he will first join Prashant in a jugalbandi on Raag Bageshri, followed by his signature folk melodies that capture the essence of South Asian cultural heritage.
Rishi Rajeev
Rishi Rajeev is a tabla virtuoso whose mastery of rhythm has made him a sought-after accompanist in the classical music circuit. Rishi’s training in tabla began at an early age, and his performances are marked by intricate rhythms, powerful beats, and a deep understanding of classical compositions. Rishi has accompanied numerous classical musicians, adding dynamic layers to their performances with his rhythmic precision. Tonight, his tabla beats will set the pace for the jugalbandi of Raag Bageshri, bringing a vibrant, spontaneous energy to the mehfil.
Meet the Dashmi Fest Team
Our dedicated team has worked passionately to bring Dashmi Fest to life, each contributing their time pro-bono to ensure the success of this celebration of South Asian art and culture.
Tejasvi Arneja: The visionary founder of Dashmi Fest and your host for today’s Bollywood Quiz. Tejasvi is the driving force behind the festival, curating and directing the entire event with a deep commitment to preserving South Asian heritage in Vancouver.
Simarpreet Singh: Co-founder and key leader of the team. Simarpreet’s strategic planning and unwavering support have been essential in shaping Dashmi Fest into the vibrant event it is today.
Khushi: Our Development Director, Khushi has been instrumental in ensuring the festival’s smooth execution. Her creativity and tireless efforts in building relationships and coordinating event logistics have been key to making this event a success.
Arushi: As our Operations Manager, Arushi has expertly handled all the behind-the-scenes details, from managing partnerships to ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Her attention to detail and ability to keep things organized has been crucial in bringing Dashmi Fest to life.
Ayaan: A vital part of the team, Ayaan has worked diligently on outreach and spreading the word about Dashmi Fest. His thoughtful approach to engaging the community has helped ensure that this festival reaches a wide and diverse audience.
Together, this incredible team has put in countless hours to make Dashmi Fest a reality, and we are grateful for their dedication and hard work. Enjoy the event and everything they have created for you!
