New Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS): Melodious bhajans of Anup Jalota, soulful santoor compositions of Abhay Rustum Sopori and Ragini Rainu's sufi recital kick-started the ninth edition of SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan in the capital on a high note.

The three-day festival, which began Friday was held at Kamani Auditorium. Apart from musical recitals and a special kathak performance by Birju Maharaj Sunday, awards will also be conferred upon various artistes.

"The reason we started this festival was to encourage artistes who are good in their art but don't get a platform to perform in the capital," Abhay Rustum Sopori, artist and organiser of the festival, told IANS.

"What we usually see is the same old artistes performing at various events. So this festival brings the best of unknown artistes to music lovers," he added.

The festival will also feature Ronu Majumdar on flute, Rafique Khan on sitar and Vidushi Kala Ramnath on violin.

This year Birju Maharaj and Anup Jalota will be honoured with 'SaMaPa Vitasta Award' and 'SaMaPa Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Award' will be given to veteran musician of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdul Gani Rather 'Trali'.

SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) is a cultural movement translating the vision of its chairman, music legend Bhajan Sopori, and efforts of other members in creating a unique level platform for presentation and teaching of traditional music and performing arts to the youth.