This writer always associated continuity with scenes from a motion picture, with mathematics, seasons and consequences. Little did she think that her hopes and prayers pitched into the universe in hushed voices are ceaseless and unrelenting. An abhang, where bhang means a break in Sanskrit, is also an unending invocation of Lord Vitthal — the Hindu god who is believed to manifest the powers of Vishnu and Krishna. The deity, also known as Vithoba, is a prominent figure in the non-ritualistic Varkari faith of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Abhangwari, an evening concert organised by Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan and conceptualised by musician Rahul Deshpande, is set to mark a first in the city. “It was conceived on the ethos of Ashadhi Ekadashi, which was observed on July 10. We performed these compositions at a Dombivli venue on that day. The upcoming recital is special as it will be my first solo performance in Mumbai,” the singer shares. He chirps that this time, they will heighten the 800-year old tradition of abhangs with a few original compositions.