Indian Melody in Space: ‘Jaat Kahan Ho’ Travels with Voyager 1

Indian Melody in Space: ‘Jaat Kahan Ho’ Travels with Voyager 1

An Indian song is soaring through space aboard NASA’s Voyager 1. The iconic “Jaat Kahan Ho” by Kesarbai Kerkar, a Hindustani classical masterpiece, is part of the Golden Record—a collection of Earth’s sounds representing humanity to the universe.

The Golden Record: Earth’s Cultural Legacy

In 1977, NASA launched Voyager 1 and 2 with a mission to explore the outer planets. Each spacecraft carried the Golden Record, a time capsule of sounds, greetings, and music from Earth. Curated by Carl Sagan’s team, the record contains 27 musical tracks representing the cultural diversity of our planet, from classical Western symphonies to traditional folk songs.

Kesarbai Kerkar’s Contribution

Among the 27 tracks is “Jaat Kahan Ho,” performed by Kesarbai Kerkar, a legend of Hindustani classical music. The song, set in Raag Bhairavi, captures the emotional depth of Indian classical music. Its inclusion on the Golden Record highlights the global significance of Indian culture.

Voyager 1: A Journey into the Cosmos

Voyager 1 is now over 14 billion miles from Earth, making it the farthest human-made object in space. As it travels through interstellar space, the spacecraft carries the sounds of Earth—including Kerkar’s powerful rendition—offering a glimpse of our planet’s cultural heritage to the universe.

A Lasting Legacy

Kesarbai Kerkar’s “Jaat Kahan Ho” on Voyager 1 serves as a reminder of the universal power of music. It transcends boundaries and carries the beauty of human expression far beyond Earth, sharing a piece of Indian culture with the cosmos for eternity.

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This cosmic connection bridges humanity’s artistic legacy with space exploration, uniting culture and science on a universal stage.