The prestigious Tansen Awards for 2024 and 2025 were conferred upon eminent classical musicians at a grand ceremony in Gwalior, marking the commencement of the iconic Tansen Music Festival. The event celebrated the enduring legacy of Indian classical music and its stalwarts.
Maestros Honoured at 101st Tansen Festival
Mumbai-based classical vocalist and composer Pandit Raja Kale was bestowed with the 2024 Tansen Award. Simultaneously, the celebrated santoor player Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya received the honour for the year 2025. The awards were presented on Monday during the opening day of the 101st edition of the Tansen Music Festival, a premier event in India's classical music calendar.
In a parallel recognition, the Sadhana Parmarthik Sansthan Samiti of Mandleshwar was awarded the 2024 Raja Mansingh Tomar Award. The Ragayan Sangeet Samiti of Gwalior was the recipient of the 2025 Raja Mansingh Tomar Award.
CM Inaugurates Festival, Highlights Cultural Upsurge
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav formally inaugurated the five-day festival via video conference. He extended his congratulations to all the award winners and underscored his government's commitment to development alongside the preservation of art and culture.
"Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a cultural upsurge," CM Yadav told the gathering. He emphasised the foundational role of legendary musician Tansen, whose work gave Gwalior a unique identity on the global stage. Yadav traced the roots of classical music back to the Vedic period, specifically citing the Samaveda as an ancient testament to India's musical heritage.
"Today, the whole world is looking towards India," the Chief Minister opined, noting that art and culture are gaining new dimensions in the state and the nation under the current leadership.
Festival Features Star-Studded Performances
The ceremony was presided over by Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, the Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments. Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar and MLA Mohan Singh Rathore attended as special guests. On this occasion, a festival souvenir and a booklet titled "Swarang Darshan," featuring compositions by Gwalior Gharana luminary Raja Bhaiya Poonchwale, were released.
The 101st Tansen Festival promises a magnificent lineup of performances. The highlights include:
- A 'jugalbandi' by Padma Vibhushan sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan with his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash.
- Concerts by renowned artists like vocalist Sumitra Guha, sitarists Shivnath-Devbrata Mishra, Kalapini Komkali, and Sanjeev Abhyankar.
Organisers have confirmed that the festival will also provide a dedicated platform for local and emerging young artists, fostering the next generation of musical talent.
