Musical grandeur marks 101st Tansen Samaroh pre events in Gwalior

Gwalior is preparing to host the 101st edition of the iconic Tansen Samaroh, scheduled from December 14 to 19, 2025, marking yet another milestone for India’s most revered classical music festival. Held in the birthplace of the legendary Mian Tansen, the annual celebration continues to honour India’s rich classical traditions while fostering global cultural exchange. This year’s edition brings acclaimed artists from across India and abroad to perform in a setting deeply rooted in musical legacy.
In the run-up to the main festival, a series of pre-event gatherings has been drawing enthusiastic audiences, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Swara and Laya that defines the Tansen Samaroh. The fourth evening pre-event session, held on Thursday at Tansen Kalavithika, stood out with captivating performances by distinguished young artists.The evening opened with a commanding solo tabla recital by Sajag Mathur, who presented a selection of compositions from the Ajrada, Banaras, Delhi, Farrukhabad, and Punjab gharanas in Tintaal. His presentation featured Uthaan, Peshkar, lively Rela and Chalan, and traditional Farrukhabad pieces, along with intricate audience-requested compositions. The performance, accompanied by Hamid Khan on the sarangi, left listeners enthralled.This was followed by an evocative vocal performance by classical singer Sharad Bakshi, who chose Raag Puria Dhanashree for the evening. Beginning with a slow khayal, “Bal Bal Jaoon Mitwa More Tore Kaarn Logwa Bure,” Bakshi created an atmosphere of serenity and depth. He then moved to a small khayal, “Pailiya Jhanakaar Mori,” followed by an energetic tarana, ultimately concluding with a soulful bhajan. He was supported by Vivek Jain on harmonium and Deepak Vipat on tabla.
The event commenced with the lighting of ceremonial lamps and floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati in the presence of Veena Joshi, Principal of Madhav Music College, alongside senior artists from the region. The evening’s proceedings were conducted by Aniket Tarlekar.Organised by the Culture Department of the Madhya Pradesh Government, in collaboration with the Gwalior Municipal Corporation and Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the Tansen Samaroh continues under the aegis of the Ustad Alauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy and the Madhya Pradesh Culture Council, Bhopal.

(Asstt.Editor)