About Indian music festivals

Indian music festivals have several stories related to it, and speak about the musical culture of India. In India music existed as a form of art since a long time. From past, music is considered as cultural tradition. Classical music in India is not considered as a mode of entertainment, but as a medium to express devotion and love for God. Some musical festival is organized to pay tribute to great popular singer who immensely contributed towards betterment of Indian music.

One of the best parts about these festivals is that, apart from hosting popular musicians, it also promotes young and fresh talents. Indian classical music happens to be one of the oldest music cultures of the world. The importance of music is mentioned in Vedas as well. Role of music is immense towards shaping the culture and tradition of India.

Tansen Music Festival
Tansen music festival is organized in memory of Tansen as a mark of respect and to pay tribute to the immense contribution to the Indian classical music. Tansen was a great personality and was considered as one of the nine gems in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar. This music festival is hosted at the tomb of Tansen in Gwalior District. Popular artists come and present their masterpieces. This festival is organized by the government of Madhya Pradesh.

Thyagaraja Music Festival
Thyagaraja Music Festival is celebrated in memory of Sri Thyagraja, the great saint and musician. This festival is held in Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, very place where he spent his entire life and took Samadhi. This festival, organized near his Samadhi at the banks of Kaveri River, is held for 8 days in the month of January. Religious rituals, along with music festival, are conducted for a span of the festival.

Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is a popular music festival in India which is celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, in Pune. To mark the first death-anniversary of Sawai Gandharva, this festival took place for the first time in the year 1953. His disciple organizes this event in memory of their master. Sawai Gandharva Music Festival is the most promising place for the primary vocalists of the other Gharanas. It has also become the favourite destination of instrumentalists as well as dancers.

Saptak Music Festival
Saptak Music Festival is organized by a public charitable trust in the month of January, generally in the first week, in the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. This festival, where eminent music personalities from across the country and around the world participate, runs for 11 days. This show is organized

ITC Sangeet Sammelan
This music ceremony started in the year 1971 in Delhi. With passage of time this festival has become very prominent event in the field of Indian classical music. ITC Sangeet Sammelan is a famous cultural event in India, and the music performed here is loved, cherished and appreciated by music lovers from across India and around the world. This music festival is held once a year all over the country. It is one of the popular festivals in India.

Dover Lane Music Festival
Dover Lane Music Festival, organized in the capital city of Kolkata, is an Indian classical music festival which is organized in the months of December and January. For the past fifty years it is being held on an annual basis.

Chembai Music Festival
Chembai Music Festival is managed and organized in the city Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. This festival is held at the time of Ekadasi, in the month of September, and organized to rejoice the birth centenary of late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, great name in Carnatic music.

Music Festivals of North India

Music Festivals of North India are celebrated with great zeal and fervour. The festival has a participation of eminent musicians and is appreciated by music lovers across the country. Fairs and Festivals are an integral part of the colourful culture of North India. Each and every festival celebrated in North India has a legend associated with it.

Some of the popular Music Festivals of East India are as follows;
• ITC Sangeet Sammelan: ITC Sangeet Sammelan is regarded as one of the most prestigious events of Indian classical music which is held all over India once a year. Many renowned singers and musicians come here to participate in various events that are organized in this festival. An award is given to one of the oldest living musicians of stature as a great honour in the world of Indian classical music.

• East Wind Music Festival: East Wind Music Festival is held annually garnering participation from all the major bands and artists in the country. The artists performed Original Contemporary Music over 3 days and through parallel stages from morning till night.

• Harballabh Music Festival: Harballabh Music Festival of classical music is held every winter since 1875 at Jalandhar, Punjab. It is renowned in the world of Hindustani music as the site where all the "great stalwarts" of Hindustani music first performed, prior to attaining international acclaim. From Bhimsen Joshi to Zakir Husain, all musicians hold the spot of the Harballabh.

• Music in the Hills: Music in the Hills is an annual Music festival in India organised at various exotic locations. Established in 2007, Music in the Hills tries to bring together good music, good listeners and great locations. It is India"s biggest independent music festival.

• NH7 Weekender: NH7 Weekender has earned the tag of "India"s Happiest Festival" over the last 4 years. The festival is made for fans to ensure they have a memorable and hassle-free weekend. It is recognized as one of the most organized music festival in the country which is held in Delhi and also Pune, Bengaluru and Kolkata for 3 days.

• Synchronicity Music Festival: Synchronicity Music Festival is one of the popular college festivals in India. It is a rock music festival of IIT Kanpur held in the month of October for 3 days. The festival attracts participation from over 400 rock bands of India.

• Rajasthan International Folk Festival: Rajasthan International Folk Festival is meant to flaunt the cultural lifestyle of India and beyond. This is a 5 day long festival which has been regarded as People"s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development, by UNESCO. More than 250 artists from different regions around the world perform in this festival, who showcase a fusion of Indian and international music.

Music Festivals of West India

The west of India is the residence to diverse multicolored fairs and festivals. The festivals of West India offer entertainment to both young and the old people. Music Festivals of West India include the special festivities of the western states that are colored by the spirit of festivity amidst the Indian continent. The origins of Indian classical music can be found in the Vedas, in the Hindu custom dating back to 1500 BC.

Celebration of Music Festivals of West India
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is a popular music festival in India which is celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, in Pune. To mark the first death-anniversary of Sawai Gandharva, this festival took place for the first time in the year 1953. His disciple organizes this event in memory of their master. Sawai Gandharva Music Festival is the most promising place for the primary vocalists of the other Gharanas. It has also become the favorite destination of instrumentalists as well as dancers. Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is well known music extravaganza popular for musical festival. It is celebrated every year in the month of December, in the Pune city of Maharashtra, for three days. It is one of the best places for young and upcoming musicians. It is also a popular destination for famous dancers and singers. Experienced artists come and perform, and it becomes a great learning experience for all the young and budding music players as well. Everyone, including the renowned musicians and practicing artists, come to this festival pay their tribute to the great musician Pandit Rambhan Kundgolkar, also known as `Sawai Gandharva`.

Saptak Music Festival is organized by a public charitable trust in the month of January, generally in the first week, in the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. This festival, where eminent music personalities from across the country and around the world participate, runs for 11 days.

Saptak Music Festival celebrates the spirit of Indian classical music and is organized every year in the month of January in Ahmedabad in Gujarat. This festival was inaugurated in the year 1980 by Pandit Ravi Shankar. This festival spans for a period of 11 days and showcases best musicians from modern and past days. This festival promises best of talents and also presents hundred musicians with sincere commitment to standards. The leading instrumentalist and vocalist participate in this festival. Some of the memorable and unique features of this festival have been dance and musical ensembles by popular artists like Tala Vadya Kacheri, Rajasthani folk music and Punjabi folk music. The declining culture of vocal music like Dhrupad and Thumri, and instrument like Pakhavaj and Sarangi have helped this festive attract new and varied audience. This music festival also gives opportunities to young singers, musicians, instrumentalist etc to portray their talents on stage. Saptak Music Festival offers quite an unusual experience to the visiting people. This show is a delight for all music lovers both in India and aboard. Both young and experienced talent performs in this festival. Some 125 top notch artists and 50 performers perform in this festival for a span of 13 days. Though there are no tickets or reservation needed for this festival, but the visitors needs an invitation card.

Music Festivals of South India

Music Festivals of South India nurtures the Carnatic musical scenario and the southern climatic rhythm. Chembai Music Festival is organized on an annual basis, in the capital city of Kerala- Trivandrum. This festival that lasts for 11 days, is held year it is held in the month of September, during the time of Ekadasi. It is celebrated in memory of Chembai Vaidyanath Bhagawathar, a passionate devotee of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan. Popular and renowned artists from all over India take active part in this music event and adorn the festivities with beautiful performances. This festival was started to commemorate the memory of Chembai Vaidyanath Bhagawathar, an ardent devotee of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan. Sri Chembai Memorial trust organizes the eleven days long festival at Thiruvananthpuram, the capital of the state of Kerala, India. More than 2000 Carnatic musicians attend this festival and for five nights, the city echoes with the enthralling performances in Indian classical music. New as well as old melodies combine to create an atmosphere of composure and serenity. One of the main attractions of Chembai Music Festival comprises of the songs of saint Thyagaraja`s `Pancharatna Krithis`, sung on the tenth day of the festival. The festival comes to an end with the group concert on 11th day. On this day one can hear the five most favourite songs of Chembai, namely `Vadapiganapatim` on raag Hamsadhwani, Mamavasadaajanani on raag Kanada, `Rakshmamsaranagatam` on raag Natta, Karuna Cheivanentuthamasam Krishna on raag Yadukulakamboji, and Paavanagurupavanapuradeeswara on raag Hamsanandi. Along with popular and established artists, young budding musicians also perform at the Chembai Music Festival. Some of the big names who perform in this festival are Mandolin U. Srinivas, K.G. Jayan, Aymanam Pradeep, Aymanam Sajeev, Kumarakom Ganesh Gopal, Kottayam Murali, Thrissur V.R. Dileep Kumar, Krishna Mohan, Ramkumar Mohan, S. Eswara Varma, Vaikom P.S. Venugopal, Elanjimel Susil Kumar, S. R. Vinu, Thiruvananthapuram Surendran and Attingal M. R. Madhu.

This music event attracts many music lover and music enthusiasts from all across India and from foreign land as well. For a span of 11 days the place becomes an abode for music lovers. In no other place, Carnatic music is loved, experimented and enjoyed more as it is done in Chembai Music Festival. It is a week of celebration and joy of human abilities. Not only does the place serve as a place for renowned and masters of Carnatic music display their art but youth of today, the amateurs too get a platform to perform and get a wide exposure. Hence, Chembai Music Festival becomes a bag of opportunities for many aspiring musicians and a delightful experience for those who come to enjoy the scintillating performances.

Thyagaraja Music Festival is an annual event in Carnatic music festival. Formally this festival is known as Thyagaraja Aradhana, and is held in the month of January and February every year. For the purpose of this festival, big names in the field of Carnatic music arrive in the small village of Tiruvayaru in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

The festival is cherished and loved by thousands of enthusiastic fans of Indian classical music, who turn up for the event every year. This festival is organized in the fond memory of saint Thyagraja. One of the important attractions of this five day music gala festival is the recital of Pancharatna Kritis` by a galaxy of musicians at the samadhi of Thyagaraja. It is with this respect and love for the guru the music fest is organized and celebrated.

Main appeal of Thyagaraja music festival happens to be the group performance by the well-known musicians of the Pancharathna Krithis. To pay homage and honour the works of great saint Thyagraja, what can be a better idea than the performance of Pancharathna Krithis, his five compositions that came to be popularly known as the five gems! Even today Thyagraja is loved and admired for his five gems. He is and will always remain the role model for all who play and practise Carnatic music. The Pancharathna Krithis are: Dudukugala - Raga Gaula, Jagadananda Karaka - Raga Naata, Sadhinchene - Raga Arabhi, Kanakana Ruchira - Raga Varali, Endaro Mahanubhavulu - Raga Sri.

Thyagaraja Music Festival gives opportunity to young upcoming musicians to showcase their talents. Popular, renowned and well-known musicians get an opportunity to interact with their audience through the language of music. Fans also love to see their favourite musician perform on stage. This festival acts as an important platform for aspiring artists and singers. Thyagraja Aradhana is popular not only in India but around the world, in Europe and USA. As this festival is celebrated during the time of Easter, thousand of Carnatic music lover gather to cherish India`s rich heritage.

Music Festivals of Central India

Music Festivals of Central India are cultural celebrations, ceremonious galas and spectacular events, in the open air atmosphere. Festivals like these mirror the rich cultural legacy of the country. The rich culture of the central Indian states has paved the way for the celebration of numerous music festivals in this region. Central India is home to some of the most beautiful and colourful festivals and fairs.

Indian states boast of culturally rich dance and music festivals, held in different times of the year. The most celebrated music and dance festivals of India are held at seaside temples and historical sites of architecture ruins.

Some of the popular music festivals in the states of Central India are briefed here:

Tansen Music Festival - Tansen Music Festival is the largest and oldest musical festival of the Academy in the field of classical music. This festival is held annually during the month of November- December in the city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This great musical festival is celebrated at the Tansen Tomb in the memory of his artistic achievements. The festival is spread over a period of 5 nights. This festival draws India`s best vocalists and musicians whether from the classical, folk or fusion genre.

Dhrupad Samaroh - Dhrupad Samaroh, Bhopal is the ideal venue to relish vocal performances by some of the notable names of the music fraternity. Dhrupad is the most famous style of Indian classical and is the order of the day at this Bhopal Dhrupad Samaroh. Music aficionados from across the world come to the city lured by this Dhrupad Samaroh of Bhopal.

Ameer Khan Festival - Ameer Khan Festival is another music festival to savour Indian classical music performances by many stalwarts. This venue also offers an ideal stage for the debut of many musicians. Music enthusiasts from across the globe come to this festival.

Chakradhar Samaroh - This music festival is organised by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy and the Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra, to commemorate the memory of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. This former ruler was a great tabla player and a dancer who wrote many books on music and dance. He developed a new form of Kathak and established the Raigarh Gharana. The Chakradhar Festival in Raigarh is celebrated every year during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Sirpur Music Festival - Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival is a cultural event dedicated to creating international cultural amity and brotherhood by the Chhattisgarh government. It is a three-day mega event that witnesses the celebrated artistes of national and international fame performing at the festival venue. The platform also gives an opportunity to tribal artistes to showcase their talent.

Music Festivals of East India

Music Festivals of East India are a must-attend occasion for the music lovers. India hosts several versions of soul music that induces a worthwhile experience. Several music festivals are organized throughout the year in the eastern region of the country. These festivals are hosted to pay homage to people who have made remarkable contribution in developing, enriching and popularizing Indian music. It also provides a platform for young singers and musicians to work in collaboration with the eminent fraternity of the music industry to showcase their talent.

Some of the popular Music Festivals of East India are as follows;


•Dover Lane Music Festival: Dover Lane Music Festival is one of the most prominent cultural events in the City of Joy, Kolkata. It is held every year, between the months of December and January.


•Rajarani Music Festival: Rajarani Music Festival is one of the famous festivals of Odisha which is organized by the State Tourism Department in collaboration with other organizations. The aim of the festival is to showcase the glorious tradition of Indian classical music. This festival is held in the backdrop of the 11th century Rajarani Temple complex.


•NH7 Weekender: NH7 Weekender is recognized as one of the most organized music festival in the country which is held in Kolkata and also Pune, Bengaluru and Delhi for 3 days.


•Swara Samrat Festival: Swara Samrat Festival is an Indian classical music concert held at the Nazrul Mancha auditorium in Kolkata.