The cultural heart of Rajkot is set to resonate with the soulful strains of classical music as the city prepares to host the eighth edition of its prestigious Sapt-Sangeeti festival. This much-anticipated seven-day musical journey is scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, at the iconic Hemu Gadhvi Auditorium. Organized by the Neo Rajkot Foundation, the event promises to be a deep dive into the rich traditions of Indian classical music for aficionados and newcomers alike.
A Stellar Line-Up of Maestros
The festival boasts an impressive assembly of talent, with around 40 artists set to perform across 14 sessions over the week. The musical feast will open with a captivating shehnai and flute recital by the legendary Pandit Rajendra Prasanna, who will be joined by his son, Rajesh. Their performance will be enriched by the shehnai artistry of Pandit Mangal Prasad, Rudra Kumar, and Vikas Babu Dayal, with rhythmic support from Abhishek Mishra on tabla.
The following day, January 3, will see the graceful presentation of thumri and ghazal by the esteemed Padma Shri Malini Awasthi. She will be accompanied by Pandit Dharmanath Mishra on harmonium and the renowned Pandit Shubh Maharaj on tabla. The momentum continues on January 4 with a sublime sitar recital by Ustad Shujaat Khan, accompanied by Sapna Anjaria and Shariqu Mustafa on tabla.
Diverse Genres and Special Tributes
January 5 will witness a poignant performance by vocalists Pandit Ritesh Mishra and Pandit Rajneesh Mishra, the sons of the late Pandit Rajan Mishra, carrying forward their father's legacy. They will be supported by Neeraj Dholakia on tabla and Palash Dholakia on harmonium. A unique highlight is scheduled for January 6, marking the debut of the fusion group "Rasiya" at Sapt-Sangeeti. This special act will blend the sounds of piano, violin, and tabla, featuring Ishan Rao, Yadnesh Raikar, and Ishan Ghosh respectively.
The penultimate day, January 7, is reserved for the strings of the mohan veena, played by its creator, the Grammy-winning Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. He will be accompanied by Himanshu Mahant on tabla.
The Grand Finale
The festival will draw to a magnificent close on January 8 with a performance by the internationally acclaimed vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty. Her powerful and emotive renditions will be complemented by Ustad Murad Ali Khan on sarangi, Yashwant Vaishnav on tabla, and Milind Kulkarni on harmonium, ensuring a memorable finale to the week-long celebration.
In keeping with tradition, the festival will also feature two special sessions beyond the main performances, further enriching the experience for attendees. For music lovers in Gujarat and beyond, Sapt-Sangeeti 2026 stands as a premier destination to experience the depth, diversity, and timeless beauty of India's classical music heritage in a single, immersive setting.
