Ahmedabad:  The 45th annual Saptak Music Festival, a renowned celebration of Indian classical music, will take place from January 1 to 13, 2025, at the LD Arts College campus in Ahmedabad. Over 43 sessions, a lineup of 150 artists will showcase the rich heritage of Indian classical music, including vocal and instrumental performances as well as dance recitals.

This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of Manju Mehta, co-founder of Saptak and a Sitarist dedicated to Indian classical music. In her honor, seven special sitar performances will be presented. The announcement was made by the festival organizers, including Praful Anubhai, Hetal Mehta, and Sandeep Joshi.

Stellar Lineup of Performers

The 2025 edition will feature some of the most celebrated artists in Indian classical music. Highlights include:

•Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia (Flute)

•Ajoy Chakrabarty, Shubha Mudgal, and Malini Avasthi, Sajan Mishra (Vocal)

•Fazal Qureshi, Shahid Parvez, and Kumar Bose (Tabla)

•Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Mohan Veena)

•Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod)

•Ulhas Kakar, Rahul Sharma, and Purbayan Chatterjee (Sitar)

Adding a unique touch, Prince Rama Verma, a descendant of the legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma, will perform on the veena. Wahane sisters, Sanskrati and Prakruti, will perform a sitar and santur jugalbandi.

Dance forms will also grace the festival stage, with performances by:

•Dr. Mallika Sarabhai and Revanta Sarabhai (Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi)

•Maulik Shah and Ishira Parikh (Kathak)

Sanju Sahai will present a tabla solo, while Sona Abhishek and Manju Shah Patil will perform Abhangvani, a devotional form of music from Maharashtra.

Focus on Emerging Talent

This year, Saptak will provide a platform for 20 first-time performers, introducing fresh talent to its storied tradition.

A Feast of Indian Classical Music

Over 13 nights, audiences will be treated to a spectacular showcase of Indian classical music’s depth and diversity. The festival promises to uphold its legacy as one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited events in the Indian music calendar.

For music lovers and connoisseurs alike, the Saptak Music Festival is an unmissable opportunity to experience the artistry and dedication of some of India’s finest performers. The festival is open only for those invited. DeshGujarat