Pune: Sawai Gandharv Bhimsen Mahotsav Starts Tomorrow – Check Schedule Here

The Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal has officially unveiled the artist lineup for the much-awaited 70th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav. This milestone edition of the renowned Indian classical music festival will be held at Maharashtra Mandal Krida Sankul, Mukund Nagar, Pune, from Wednesday, December 18, to Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Shrinivas Joshi, Executive President of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, emphasized the festival’s rich legacy. “The Mahotsav, started by my father Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi in honor of his guru Sawai Gandharva, continues to provide a platform for both legendary artists and emerging talents, ensuring the preservation of Indian classical music,” said Joshi. He was accompanied by Mukund Sangoram (Secretary), Shilpa Joshi (Trustee), Shubhada Mulgund, Anand Bhate, Dr. Prabhakar Deshpande, and Milind Deshpande.

70th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav: Day-Wise Highlights

Day 1: Wednesday, December 18 (3 PM – 10 PM)

• Shehnai recital by Dr. S. Ballesh and Dr. Krishna Ballesh
• Vocal performances by Shashwati Chavan-Zurange, Ram Deshpande, and Pt. Ajay Chakrabarty
• Violin recital by Carnatic maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam

Day 2: Thursday, December 19 (4 PM – 10 PM)

• Duet by Krishna Bongane and Nagesh Adgaonkar
• Vocal recitals by Sangeeta Katti-Kulkarni and Pt. Venkatesh Kumar
• Sitar performance by Anupama Bhagwat

Day 3: Friday, December 20 (4 PM – 10 PM)

• Mohini Music Ensemble featuring Sahana Banerjee, Ruchira Kedar, Savani Talwalkar, Anuja Borude-Shinde, and Aditi Garade
• Vocal performances by Viraj Joshi and Kaushiki Chakrabarty with Rishit Desikan
• Sitar recital by Purbayan Chatterjee

Day 4: Saturday, December 21 (4 PM – Midnight)

• Vocal recitals by Saurabh Kadgaonkar and Anand Bhate
• Sarod jugalbandi by Ayaan Ali Bangash and Amaan Ali Bangash
• Bansuri recital by Rakesh Chaurasia
• Vocal performance by Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar and Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar

Day 5: Sunday, December 22 (12 Noon – 10 PM)

• Vocal recitals by Sanjeev Abhyankar and Milind Chittal
• Carnatic duet by Shashank Subramanyam (Flute) and R. Kumaresh (Violin)
• Classical piano performance by Adnan Sami
• Bharatanatyam dance performance by Shobana
• Tribute to Dr. Prabha Atre by her disciples Arati Thakur Kundalkar, Atindra Sarvadikar, Chetana Pathak, and Ashwini Modak

New Artists and Esteemed Sponsors
Several first-time performers will grace this year’s Mahotsav, including Shashwati Chavan-Zurange, Krishna Bongane, Rishit Desikan, and Adnan Sami.

The 70th Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav is supported by sponsors including Kalyani Group, Kirloskar, Nanded City, P. N. Gadgil & Sons, Kele Realtors, and Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-operative Society.

This year’s festival promises a captivating mix of Indian classical music and dance, celebrating its enduring cultural legacy in Pune. Music enthusiasts can look forward to five days of extraordinary performances by stalwarts and emerging talent alike.