‘World Santoor Day’ – An evening of Santoor recitals

An evening dedicated to the rich heritage of the Santoor, the 3rd World Santoor Day will be celebrated on June 22 at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, Lodhi Road. Organised by the Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa), the event marks the birth anniversary of the late Pandit Bhajan Sopori and brings together leading exponents of the instrument for a series of performances.

The programme will feature solo Santoor recitals by Divyansh Srivastava, Pandit Sandip Chatterjee and Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori. The artists will be accompanied by eminent percussionists including Khurram Ali Niazi, Varun Rajasekharan, Pandit Durjay Bhaumik, Ustad Akram Khan and Mahant Pandit Vishwambhar Nath Mishra.

Observed annually on June 22, World Santoor Day was first announced and celebrated in 2024 by members of the artistic fraternity, with support from distinguished musicians and cultural organisations across the country. The initiative seeks to highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Kashmiri Santoor, also known as the Shatatantri Veena, and its deep-rooted connection with the cultural traditions of Kashmir.

In addition to the main celebrations in Delhi, special sessions of World Santoor Day will also be organised this year in Argentina, China, the United States, Germany and Odisha, reflecting the growing international recognition of the instrument and its legacy.

Also Read: Strings of eternity: Abhay Rustum Sopori’s journey of music, mysticism, and legacy

The event aims to foster greater appreciation for the Santoor’s unique history and promote cultural dialogue and unity through music.

When: June 22; 6 PM onwards

Where: Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi