Delhi to host 26th edition of Swami Haridas-Tansen festival

The 26th edition of the Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav, one of the most prestigious festivals of Indian classical music and dance, will be held from January 10 to 12, at Shankar Lal Hall, Modern School, Barakhamba Road. The three-day event will start each evening at 6:00 PM.

Organised by the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts under the leadership of Padma Bhushan awardee Uma Sharma and Vinay Bharat Ram, the festival will feature some of the country’s finest classical musicians and dancers. This year’s lineup includes performances by renowned artists such as Hariprasad Chaurasia (Flute), Begum Parween Sultana (Vocal), Shubha Mudgal (Vocal), Ustad F. Wasifuddin Dagar (Vocal), Ustad Shujat Khan (Sitar), Vishwamohan Bhatt (Mohan Veena), and Salil Bhatt (Satvik Veena), accompanied by the Manganiyars from Rajasthan. The event will also feature Uma Sharma and her disciples in a Kathak performance, Tejendra Narayan Majumdar (Sarod), and a unique Jugalbandi by Shubhendra Rao (Sitar) and Vidushi Saskia Rao (Cello).

The festival, a tribute to the legendary Swami Haridas and Tansen, aims to promote and preserve the rich traditions of Indian classical arts. Over the past 25 years, it has emerged as a significant platform for classical music and dance, drawing larger audiences and celebrated performers. The event also features a Mehfil Andaaz, which replicates the traditional guru-shishya parampara to provide an intimate cultural experience.

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The festival is supported by Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, Bhartiya Sangeet Sadan (Uma Sharma School of Dance & Music), HCL, Indian National Theatre Trust, Modern School, and Art Karat.

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Speaking about the festival, Uma Sharma said, “In a time when today’s youth are drawn to Western and pop music, it is crucial to preserve the legacy of Indian classical arts. This festival serves as a platform to inspire the younger generation to appreciate and cherish our musical heritage.”

Admission to the festival is free, and invitation cards are available at Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, Mandi House, and Uma Sharma Dance School, East of Kailash.

When: January 10 to 12; 6:00 PM onwards

Where:  Shankar Lal Hall, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi