Cover image for the article on Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav 2025, featuring a glimpse into India’s grandest classical music celebration, presented by Puneripages.in.
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is India’s foremost Hindustani classical music festival, now in its 72nd edition, held every December in Pune to honor the legacy of vocalist Sawai Gandharva. From its modest beginnings in 1953 to today’s multi-day extravaganza featuring top maestros and emerging talents, the Mahotsav blends tradition with innovation on the Maharashtriya Mandal Sports Complex stage. The 2025 festival (December 18–22) lineup includes stalwarts like Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Kaushiki Chakrabarty, Purbayan Chatterjee, and Ustad Shujaat Khan, plus first-time performers such as Shashwati Chavan-Zurunge and Adnan Sami. Beyond concerts, the Mahotsav fosters gharana traditions, launches careers, and draws crowds of 10,000–15,000 nightly, cementing Pune’s role as a global classical-music hub .
Table of Contents
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav: History
Origins and Early Years
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav began in 1953 as a tribute to Kirana-gharana maestro Sawai Gandharva (Ramachandra Kundgolkar) on his first death anniversary, organized by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal. Initially a one-day khayal recital by disciples and guests, it established a template for intimate guru–shishya performances that would expand over decades.
Growth under Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Through the 1970s–1990s, under Joshi’s stewardship, the festival grew into a multi-day event, incorporating dhrupad, thumri, instrumental recitals, and Carnatic-Hindustani collaborations. Joshi personally invited performers, elevating the Mahotsav’s prestige and drawing connoisseurs from across India. In 2011, following Joshi’s passing, the festival was renamed “Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav” to honor both guru and disciple .
Modern Era and Resilience
Recent decades have seen the Mahotsav embrace young talent—artists like Rahul Deshpande, Kaushiki Chakrabarty, and Mahesh Kale made their breakthrough here. Despite challenges such as the 2009 H1N1 postponement and 2014 monsoon delays, the festival draws nightly attendances of 10,000–15,000, underscoring its enduring appeal.
Concert Lineup 2025
Day 1 – 18 December (3 PM–10 PM)
- Opening Tribute: Shehnai by Dr S. Ballesh & Dr Krishna Ballesh
- Vocal: Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (Gwalior & Jaipur-Atrauli gharanas)
- Instrumental: Sitar recital by Purbayan Chatterjee
- Jugalbandi: Santoor & violin by Pt Bhajan Sopori & Dr L Subramaniam
Day 2 – 19 December (4 PM–10 PM)
- Shehnai Prelude: Bansuri by Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia
- Vocal: Kaushiki Chakrabarty with Rishit Desikan (Patiala gharana)
- Instrumental: Sarod recital by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
- Fusion Ensemble: Mohini Music Ensemble featuring Sahana Banerjee, Savani Talwalkar, Anuja Borude-Shinde, and others.
Day 3 – 20 December (4 PM–10 PM)
- Pakhavaj Invocation: Anuja Borude-Shinde.
- Vocal: Vidushi Prabha Atre (Marathwada gharana)
- Santoor-Vocal: S Ballesh & Dr Krishna Ballesh .
- Jugalbandi: Sitar & tabla by Purbayan Chatterjee & Savani Talwalkar .
Day 4 – 21 December (4 PM–Midnight)
- Shehnai Prelude: Pt Vasudev Punekar .
- Vocal Duo: Pandit Suresh Talwalkar & Kaushiki Chakrabarty .
- Sarangi Recital: Ustad Shujaat Khan .
- Thumri Finale: “Jamuna Ke Teer” homage by disciples of Dr Prabha Atre .
Day 5 – 22 December (7 AM–1 PM & 3 PM–10 PM)
- Light Classical Morning Session: Thumri, dadra, ghazal presentations .
- Emerging Talents Spotlight: Performances by Rahul Deshpande & Mahesh Kale .
- Evening Grand Finale: Ensemble closure ritual in Raag Bhairavi by senior disciples .
Cultural Significance
The Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is a crucible for gharana traditions and guru–shishya pedagogy, where debut slots confer artist legitimacy and veteran recitals serve educational masterclasses. Its strict focus on Hindustani classical purity—excluding Western instruments—preserves authenticity and draws international audiences. The Mahotsav’s community ethos, bolstered by patronage from Kirloskar, Kalyani Group, P N Gadgil & Sons, and others, underscores its cultural and economic impact on Pune .
Practical Information
- Venue: Maharashtriya Mandal Sports Complex, Mukund Nagar, Pune
- Dates & Timings: December 18–22, 2025; evening sessions 3–10 PM, morning finale 7 AM–1 PM
- Tickets: Advance booking ₹500–₹2,000 per day via sawaigandharvabhimsenmahotsav.com
- Amenities: Tea stalls, prasad distribution, shaded seating; mobile phones discouraged during recitals.
Conclusion
From its humble inception in 1953 to today’s grand stage, the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav embodies seven decades of Hindustani classical excellence. The 2025 lineup offers a rare convergence of stalwart maestros and vibrant newcomers, ensuring that Pune’s “Queen of the Deccan” remains the cultural heart of Indian classical music. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or curious newcomer, this festival promises an immersive journey through India’s soulful raga tradition.
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