Today marks the beginning of the 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, a festival that serves as a heartfelt testament to tradition. Taking place at the Maharashtriya Mandal Sports Complex, this five-day event is not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future of Indian classical music.
This year’s festival features an exciting array of newcomers. Notably, more than half of the performers scheduled between December 10 and 14 will be gracing this renowned stage for the first time. The festival’s opening will feature the auspicious sounds of the Shehnai, played by debut artist Lokesh Anand, a moment he views as a dream come true.
Lokesh Anand, who trained under his father and esteemed Gurus, shared his deep emotional connection to this opportunity. “Every classical artist aspires to perform at Sawai Gandharva at least once,” he said. “It’s such a grand festival that every musician, whether established or not, wishes to present their offering. A musician’s classical journey feels incomplete without this experience.”
Anand emphasized the significance of the Shehnai, describing it as a Mangal Vaadya, or auspicious instrument. “Festivals begin with the Shehnai to ensure everything proceeds smoothly,” he explained. He expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, saying, “We will seek the blessings of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and begin our journey.”
The inaugural day of the Mahotsav, set for December 10, aligns perfectly with its mission. Following Anand, the stage will welcome Dr. Chetna Pathak, another debut performer, and the captivating Sitar-Cello duet featuring Pt. Shubhendra Rao and Vidushi Saskia Rao-De-Haas. The day will conclude with the powerful vocals of veteran Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar.
The commitment to nurturing new talent was echoed by Banaras Gharana vocalists, Pt. Ritesh and Pt. Rajnish Mishra, who stressed the importance of providing emerging artists with a worthy platform to showcase their craft. Pt. Ritesh remarked that the Sawai Mahotsav is an essential venue for recognizing fresh talent.
Shrinivas Joshi, Executive President of the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, underscored the festival’s dedication to upholding the musical legacy initiated by his father in honor of Guru Sawai Gandharva. He remarked that the festival is essential for ensuring the continuation of this artistic lineage.
The following days will see performances by Sarod player Indrayudh Majumdar and international violinist Dr. L. Shankar, culminating in the poignant ‘Arghya’—a communal vocal tribute to the Gurus. This week, Pune invites everyone to embrace the legacy and future of Indian classical music.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/71st-sawai-gandharva-bhimsen-mahotsav-begins-today-on-hallowed-stage-several-debut-artistes-this-time-10412007/
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Publish Date: 2025-12-10 03:16:00
