The much-awaited Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsava, a stalwart in Delhi's winter cultural calendar, is set to enchant audiences over this weekend. Now in its 27th year in the national capital, the festival marks an impressive 35-year legacy since its humble beginnings in Vrindavan.
A Legacy Sustained by Passion
For nearly three decades, this festival has held its ground amidst the Capital's evolving cultural scene. Its continuity is credited to the unwavering dedication of two nonagenarian pillars: 84-year-old Kathak maestro Uma Sharma and 90-year-old DCM Group Director Vinay Bharatram. The event is presented by Sharma in collaboration with HCL Concerts, with additional support from the SRF Foundation, Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, and the Indian National Theatre Trust.
Recalling the festival's origins, Sharma notes it started in Vrindavan, where she collaborated with the priest of the iconic Banke Bihari Temple for its presentation. "It is that time of the year again when I am very excited. When the time comes for the festival, I want to not come back home. I want to sleep there, eat there and just listen to music," shares an enthusiastic Sharma.
A Stellar Line-Up of Maestros
The festival opens today, January 9, 2026, at Shankar Lal Hall in Modern School, Delhi. The inaugural evening will feature a performance by Grammy-winning mohan veena exponent Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, followed by the soulful folk melodies of Rajasthan's Manganiyar musicians.
The second day promises the refined sitar melodies of Ustad Shujaat Khan, showcasing the Imdadkhani style. He will be joined by the profound vocalism of Ashwini Bhide Deshpande of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. The evening will also include a sarod recital by Amaan Ali Khan and conclude with a vocal performance by the highly respected Ulhas Kashalkar.
Day three holds special significance, opening with a rare performance by the flute legend, 87-year-old Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. Despite changes in his sound following a car accident, his live concert remains a spiritual experience. The day will also feature a santoor recital by Rahul Sharma and culminate with a grand finale by the iconic Begum Parveen Sultana of the Patiala gharana, celebrated for her majestic voice and impeccable control.
A Celebration Beyond Movement
Uma Sharma herself will perform on the festival's third day. In a testament to her enduring artistry, she will perform from a wheelchair, focusing on the eloquence of bhaav (expression) rather than intricate footwork. She attributes this mastery of expression to her training under Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana, after initial grooming in the Jaipur tradition.
In a generous move that aligns with its mission to democratize classical arts, entry to the entire three-day festival is absolutely free. This initiative ensures that music lovers from all walks of life can witness this gathering of legends, preserving and promoting India's rich intangible heritage for future generations.
