Gujrat: the state is most famous for its Gir forests and Indian lions, but the state is surrounded by numerous natural sources. However, the one thing that Gujarat is most well-known for is its colorful culture and dance form Garba. Yes! Garba is a part of every Gujarati’s heart, and the rest of the world taps their feet to this song. Numerous legends hailing from Gujarat have been instrumental to the spread of Garba throughout the world. Atul Purohit is one such living legend who hails from the state of Gujarat and who, with his superb voice and unbeatable musical talent make Garba extremely popular among the younger generation, as well as non-Gujaratis.
Atul Purohit is a Gujarati folk singer. With his Garba singing he has truly redefined the lines of classical music. The gifted singer has also demonstrated his talents in various genres such as Ghazals, Bhajans, and beautiful Sufi songs.
We will share with you Atul Purohit’s biography including his childhood, career, awards, his famous songs along with other things.
Childhood and Early life:
Purohit was born into a village known as Dholar close to Dabhoi located in Gujarat state on 27 February, 1955. He was born into an ordinary middle-class family, where the father worked as a farmer and priest while his mother worked as a housekeeper. Atul was raised in a music-loving environment. Like many Hindu families, he was exposed to the lokgeet and other traditional Hindu Family Bhajans that were sung in the presence of the neighbors. He had a huge passion for music. At the age of 10, he was gifted his first harmonium which he began learning by himself.
After finishing his school education, he graduated from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 1975 with a degree in drama. Although he was able to complete the degree, his desire to discover music and play with various genres made him feel uneasy and he took the plunge to embark on the musical journey.
Music career
In the beginning, Purohit started to perform on various streets in Baroda and was accompanied by similar-minded singers at no cost, to entertain passersby. Atul always felt a need to safeguard the origins of music from different genres and remained true to their traditional roots. He mixed folk songs with the traditional songs. In the following years, he experimented with the music of devotion as well as Sugam sangeets too. Purohit was trained by a variety of Ustads throughout his professional career. He became proficient on stage and embraced the idea of performing live shows. His live shows have turned out to be extremely successful.
As Atul was a native of a small village and was very near to his roots, he was always compelled to protect the traditional culture and folk songs from Gujarat. Purohit particularly became upset by the lack of understanding among the younger generation regarding their heritage and Garbas. He also realized that Garba musicians were mixing the traditional Garbas and the traditional Garbas with Bollywood songs, which would eventually result in the end of their tradition of Garbas as well as Folk music.
In 1983, Atul formed a group of musicians with five buddies known as Rishabh. The reason behind this was his mission to preserve the heritage and traditions of Gujarat. His idea of preservation of Garba became so popular that his show turned out to be a massive success. The group gained popularity with the younger generation too. Some of his most famous songs include “Vhalam Ni Vaat Kai’, ‘Jamuna N Kanthe”and “Ke Hove Hove” and “Tahuka Karto Jaay’. His album “Tara Vina Shyam’ made him famous as a Garba singer across the globe. When he was in 1993, Purohit created a second musical group called Rutambara Group.
Awards and performances
In the years 2014-15, Atul had been awarded Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar for his extraordinary efforts and effort in keeping alive the traditional Garba music. Purohit is a well-known participant in the United Way of Baroda which has been hosting Garba festival for the last 29 years, where 5000 to 6000 youngsters participate with passion and have made Vadodara well-known not only in India but also around the Globe. Atul Purohit is renowned throughout the world for his Garbas and also performs at Navratri Festival across Navratri in the USA, Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand and many other countries.
We honor this legend of the past for his contribution and efforts to Gujarati folk music of the past, folk songs and, most notably, Garba!
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