Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav: Celebrating a Musical Legacy

Every December, Pune becomes the heart of Indian classical music as it hosts the illustrious Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, one of the most revered music festivals in India. Organized by the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal and initiated by the legendary Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi in memory of his Guru, Sawai Gandharva, this festival has become a pilgrimage for music enthusiasts and budding artists alike. 

This year, as the festival celebrates its glorious 70th year, let us explore its highlights and my personal takeaways as an attendee since childhood.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of my key takeaways from the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav and reflecting on how attending this festival over the years has played a significant role in my growth as an artist.

Why Should You Attend Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav?

Having attended this festival since I was 10, I can vouch for its transformative power for any artist or enthusiast. Here’s why it’s more than just a music festival:

1. A Living University of Music
   The Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering insights into Hindustani, Carnatic, and semi-classical music. Listening to maestros unravel their craft not only inspires but also teaches the nuances of music, helping attendees elevate their understanding of performance art.
2. A Platform for Innovation
   Legendary performances showcase a wealth of innovation and original compositions, pushing the boundaries of traditional music. It’s an invaluable experience for young artists to learn how to blend tradition with creativity.
3. Broadening Perspectives
   For dancers and music enthusiasts, attending diverse performances (vocal, instrumental, and even jugalbandis) fosters creativity and helps imbibe the artist’s thought process into one’s own craft.
4. Showcasing Young Talent
   Alongside stalwarts, the festival also provides a platform for emerging artists, making it a holistic representation of the musical spectrum.

Highlights of Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav 2025

1st Day

• S. Ballesh & Dr. Krishna Ballesh: The festival began with the soulful strains of the Shehnai, creating a serene and auspicious atmosphere.
• Shashwati Chavan-Zurunge: A rising star with a melodious rendition of Raag Multani.
• Pt. Ram Deshpande: His devotional innovations left the audience mesmerized.
• L. Subramaniam & Ambi Subramaniam: A father-son duo blending Hindustani and Carnatic styles on the violin.
• Pt. Ajay Chakraborty: A veteran’s melodic mastery held the audience spellbound.

2nd Day

• Krishna Bongane & Nagesh Adgaonkar: Their abhang “Mi Gato Nachato Anande” filled the air with devotion.
• Sangeeta Katti-Kulkarni: A soulful rendition of Raag Yaman echoed beautifully, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
• Anupama Bhagwat: A sitar recital of Raag Zinzoti that resonated deeply.
• Pt. Dr. Venkatesh Kumar: A veteran who doesn’t just perform music but lives it, with his unforgettable rendition of Maru Bihag.

3rd Day

• Mohini Music Group: A powerful symphony by talented women artists.
• Viraj Joshi: The grandson of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, showcasing immense promise.
• Purbayan Chatterjee: His Raag Shyam Kalyan and Raag Kaafi on the sitar, accompanied by tabla, left the audience in awe.
• Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar: Her emotional and technically rich renditions culminated in “Avagha Rang Ek Jhala,” a tribute to her guru, late Kishori Amonkar.

4th Day

• Saurabh Kadgaonkar: His classic abhang “Maajhe Maaher Pandhari” and the audience chanting “Vitthal, Vitthal” created a divine atmosphere.
• Amaan Ali Bangash: His Sarod performance, coupled with tabla, took the concert to new heights.
• Anand Bhate: A senior disciple of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, he performed Johar Mai Baap Johar with such devotion that it deeply resonated with the audience.
• Rakesh Chaurasia: His Raag Jog and Raag Hansadhwani, in collaboration with Satyajit Talwalkar on tabla, was a treat for the senses.
• Kaushiki Chakraborty & Rishibh Desikan: The mother-son duo enchanted the audience with their rendition of Raag Bihag and concluded with the sacred chant of Om Tatsat.
• Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar & Pt. Suresh Talwalkar: A seamless collaboration of vocal and tabla mastery.

Last Day

• Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar: A disciple of Pt. Jasraj, his soulful rendition of Raag Ahir Bhairav highlighted the essence of the Mewati Gharana. His iconic masterpiece “Dhyan Lagale Ramache” was an auditory delight, enveloping the audience in a transcendental and divine experience.
• Shashank Subramaniam and R. Kumaresh: A mesmerizing flute and violin duet captivated the audience, leaving them spellbound.
• Milind Chittal: A devotional treat to the Audience
• Adnan Sami & Pt. Anindo Chatterji: A debut collaboration of classical piano and tabla that left the audience spellbound.
• Shobhana: The renowned Bharatanatyam dancer brought alive the stories of Lord Shiva and episodes from the Ramayana, her performance truly a divine spectacle.
• Tribute to Late Prabha Atre: The festival concluded with a touching tribute by her senior disciples, celebrating the legacy of the Kirana Gharana maestro.

Beyond the Performances: Unique Features of SGBM

• Art Gallery: This year’s theme, “Nritya-Prabha”, celebrated the legacy of Late Prabha Atre and showcased candid photographs of classical dancers and musicians.
• Veteran Synergists: The tabla maestros and accompanists like Pt. Anindo Chatterji, Talyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, Bharat Kamath, Sanjay Deshpande, Anuprath Chatterji, Amit Kavthekar and Madhav Modak added depth and vibrance to the performances.
• Anchoring Excellence: Shri Anand Deshmukh’s eloquent anchoring seamlessly wove the event together.
• Shri Mauli Takalkar, a 98-year-old veteran percussion artist, infused the atmosphere with devotion, enhancing the sacred ambiance through the resonant chime of his cymbals. 

My Takeaway as an Artist

Attending SGBM is not just about being an audience member; it’s about engaging with an ocean of creativity, learning, and innovation. Each performance inspires deeper introspection and motivates me to blend these learnings into my dance craft. For young artists, this festival is a must to expand their artistic horizons and connect with the traditions that shape our culture.

Final Thoughts

The Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav is not just a festival; it’s an institution. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or an artist, it offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. If you’ve never attended, make it a point to experience it next December.

Let me know if you’d like me to write a detailed piece on Shobhana Ji’s mesmerizing Bharatanatyam journey in our Dance Legends column. Your suggestions are always welcome!