Introduction

A brainchild of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, and organized by the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, the Sawai Gandharva Music Mahotsav has played a stellar role in keeping the flame of Hindustani classical music burning bright in the country. An ode to Pt. Sawai Gandharva, a renowned Khayal singer - who made the 'Kirana Gharana' famous and the guru of Pt. Joshi - the music festival was organized for the first time in 1952. Since then it has not only showcased the talent of many a seasoned artist and upcoming talents, but has also helped both Hindustani and Carnatic music claim their own pride of place in the modern world. While initially, the festival was graced only by singers from the well-known Gharanas, nowadays exponents of all Gharanas, as well as dancers and instrumentalists delight the assembled audience with their talent. Besides Pt. Joshi, who makes an appearance every year, despite a now failing health, Zakir Hussain, Begum Akhtar, Pt. Mallikarjun Mansoor, Aruna Sairam, Pt. Ravishankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Kishori Amonkar, Utd. Rashid Khan, Sarwar Hussain, Pt. Ajay Chakravarti, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Pt. Jasraj, Begum Parveen Sultana, Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Akhilesh Gundecha, Anup Singh, Himanshu Mahant, Manoj Singh, Utd. Alla Rakha Khan are some of the stalwarts who have delighted music lovers from all across the world at the festival.

Special Attributes

One of the most prominent, oldest and well-attended classical music festivals in the country.

Nuisance

The festival is free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Ideally Indian traditional wear - dhoti and kurta or kurta pajama. However, a shirt and jeans will do just fine.

Connectivity

PMT Buses, Auto Rickshaws, Private Taxis

Enjoyed by

Indian Classical Music Lovers

Exposure

In December, the weather gets quite chilly, and with the music continuing well past midnight, it is advisable to carry shawls, sweaters and any other warm piece of clothing.

Avoidable Season

The four-day festival is normally scheduled on the first two weeks of December. It would be best to check th exact dates before departure

Facilities

Food

Things Not Allowed

Cameras, Liquor, Lighters, Matches, Cigarettes

Tip

Be it Indian classical music, music recitals involving sitar, sarod, violin, santor or shehnai, the festival has something to offer for everyone.

Type of site

A 4-day long music festival conducted in the month of December, where old masters and upcoming artists enthrall audiences.