As the New Year dawns, Ahmedabad prepares to resonate with the sublime notes of India's classical heritage. The iconic Saptak Annual Music Festival is all set to unfold, offering a 13-day spiritual and artistic journey for connoisseurs and new listeners alike. The festival will commence on January 1 and continue through January 13 at its traditional venue, the LD Arts College Campus, opposite IIM-Ahmedabad.
A Gathering of Musical Greats
The festival's lineup is a veritable who's who of Indian classical music, embodying the spirit of the Saint Thyagaraja composition that speaks of saluting great beings. This year's stage will be graced by an extraordinary assembly of artists whose lifelong saadhana (spiritual striving) has cemented their legendary status.
The stellar list includes violin virtuosos N Rajam and Kala Ramnath, and celebrated vocalists such as Parveen Sultana, Shubha Mudgal, Ulhas Kashalkar, and Umakant Gundecha. Instrumental mastery will be showcased by Mohan veena maestro Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Saraswati veena stalwart Jayanthi Kumaresh, and sitar icon Shahid Parvez.
Embracing Technology While Preserving Tradition
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping audience engagement, Saptak's leadership is thoughtfully navigating the path forward. Hetal Mehta Joshi, the festival's trustee and a tabla player herself, shared her vision. As the daughter of Saptak's founders, Manju and Nandan Mehta, she carries forward a legacy of authenticity with an open mind.
"Classical music has always evolved with time while remaining rooted in its core values," Joshi stated. She emphasized that technology, when used sensitively, can be a powerful ally. "It can help us reach younger audiences, widen access, and deepen listening without compromising the sanctity of the art," she explained. For Joshi, the prospect is one of "continuity with consciousness rather than disruption."
Initiatives for New Audiences
Keeping this inclusive philosophy in mind, the festival organizers are considering innovative steps to welcome newcomers. One proposal under consideration is to project the name of the 'raga in progress' on a screen above the stage. While purists may not need such aids, this simple tool could offer an epiphany to a first-time listener, helping them connect a name like Malkauns to the majestic sounds they are experiencing.
This New Year, the Saptak Music Festival promises not just a series of concerts, but a bridge between deep tradition and modern accessibility, ensuring the timeless art form continues to inspire generations to come.
