At a recent press conference, Shrinivas Joshi, Executive President of the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, revealed the lineup for the 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav. He noted that this year’s festival would highlight both young performers and established maestros, reflecting the event’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent while celebrating its rich musical heritage.
Joshi stated that the festival aims to preserve its founding spirit by maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation. “This year, along with veterans, we are giving space to promising newcomers who represent the future of Indian classical music,” he said.
Prominent performers include vocalists Kaushiki Chakraborty, Rashid Khan, and Jayateerth Mevundi, alongside instrumentalists such as Niladri Kumar on sitar and Rakesh Chaurasia on flute. Young talents, including disciples of noted gurukuls, will perform during early morning sessions.
The Mahotsav, founded in honor of Pandit Sawai Gandharva by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, continues to be one of Pune’s most prestigious music events. It attracts thousands of classical music lovers each year and serves as a vital platform for emerging artists to share the stage with icons of Hindustani classical music.
The four-day event will take place at the Sawai Gandharva Smarak, Kundgol, from December 7 to 10. Performances will begin each evening and run into the night, maintaining the traditional format that enthusiasts eagerly anticipate.
“Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav is not just a festival, but a shared experience of devotion to music,”
– Shrinivas Joshi
Author’s Summary:
The 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav embraces both legacy and innovation, uniting celebrated maestros and promising newcomers on one of India’s most venerated classical stages.