Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav continued celebration of India’s classical legacy

The 27th edition of the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav continued its refined celebration of India’s classical legacy and sustaining the artistic momentum.

With a packed auditorium and a deeply attentive audience, the three-day Mahotsav unfolded as a confluence of musical depth, emotional resonance and living tradition. Organised under the guidance of Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Uma Sharma and Vinay Bharat Ram, the event, which was held from January 9 to 11, honoured the legendary Swami Haridas and his illustrious disciple Tansen.

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Over the past two decades, the festival has grown from a modest gathering into one of Delhi’s most respected classical platforms, known for its intimate mehfil andaaz that reflects the traditional guru-shishya parampara.

Reflecting on its journey, Dr. Uma Sharma recalled that the festival began with barely a hundred attendees and gradually evolved into a nationally recognised celebration of classical music and dance, shaped by her vision of preserving India’s artistic heritage.

Dr. Uma Sharma emphasised the inseparability of spirituality and classical performance, noting that her own Kathak practice draws deeply from Krishna bhakti, Surdas and Meera Bai.

She stressed the importance of inspiring younger generations at a time when many gravitate towards Western and popular music, urging them to reconnect with India’s cultural roots.