Pancham Nishad announces the return of its iconic Pratashswar concert series, with the 131st edition scheduled for Sunday, 9th March 2025, at 6:30 a.m. at Kalangan, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. After a two-year hiatus, this renowned concert series will once again offer music lovers the opportunity to experience the magic of morning ragas, performed in a serene and intimate setting. The event remains free and open to all, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the beauty of Indian classical music.

This special concert will feature an extraordinary duet performance by Jayateerth Mevundi (Vocal) and Pravin Godkhindi (Flute), accompanied by a talented ensemble: Prasad Padhye (Tabla), Niranjan Lele (Harmonium), Sukhad Munde (Pakhawaj), and Suryakant Surve (Additional Rhythms). Together, these accomplished musicians will offer a performance that blends melody and rhythm, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

Pratashswar is not just a concert series – it’s an experience that connects the audience with the deep spirituality and purity of morning ragas. Performed during the early hours of the day, these ragas resonate deeply with listeners, offering a moment of reflection and tranquility. The morning ambiance elevates the music, creating a unique atmosphere that cannot be replicated at any other time of day.

Jayateerth Mevundi, reflecting on the significance of performing at dawn, said:
“Performing in the early morning brings an unmatched sense of calm and connection with the music. The stillness of the moment allows the nuances of each note to come alive.”

Pravin Godkhindi also shared his thoughts: “Morning performances have an unmatched charm. The peace of the early hours allows the music to breathe and find its natural flow. It is an honour to be performing alongside Jayateerth and the other wonderful musicians, and we hope to offer the audience a memorable and soulful experience.”

About the Pratashswar Concert Series

Shashi Vyas, Founder and Director of Pancham Nishad, reflected on the journey of Pratashswar: “19 years ago, we started Pratashswar with a simple vision—to create a space where classical music enthusiasts could experience the serenity of morning ragas in an intimate setting. What began as a small gathering has since grown into a respected and renowned concert series, known for its diverse mix of young talent and seasoned performers. Over the years, Pratashswar has become a hallmark of Mumbai’s cultural landscape, drawing music lovers from all over. We are proud to continue this tradition after a two-year break, and we look forward to welcoming music lovers back to this cherished event, which remains free and open to all.”

 About Pancham Nishad

Pancham Nishad is a leading cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical music. Through its various initiatives, including the Pratashswar concert series, Pancham Nishad has provided a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talent. With a commitment to excellence and cultural enrichment, Pancham Nishad continues to be a key force in bringing Indian classical music to a wider audience.

 Event Details:
• Date: Sunday, 9th March 2025
• Time: 6:30 a.m.
• Venue: Kalangan, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
• Entry: Free for all

Artiste Profile

Jayateerth Mevundi

Jayateerth Mevundi Initially groomed under the guidance of Late Shri Arjunsa Nakod and Late Shri Shripati Padegar of Kirana Gharana, He today ranks top amongst the young brigade of Hindustani music. Jayateerth has regaled innumerable music lovers spread across the globe by his power-packed performances comprising different genres of Indian Music, ranging from Classical to Semiclassical to Devotional Music. He is among the well-known Hindustani classical vocalists belonging to the Kirana Gharana today.

 Pravin Godkhindi

Pravin Godkhindi is an eclectic classical flautist, performing Hindustani music on the bansuri. He studied under his father Pandit Venkatesh Godkhindi, an exponent of the Kirana Gharana, as well as Carnatic mridangist Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma. He incorporates Carnatic rhythm into his playing, and in 2015 became the first to perform Indian classical music on the 8-foot-long contrabass flute.

Rooted in the philosophy of Rasā (रसा), a fundamental concept in Indian aesthetics, this concert is designed to evoke a spectrum of emotions through the intricate interplay of melody, improvisation, and lyrical depth. The acronym of their names, Ra-Ga, symbolizes Ranjani and Gayatri’s deep engagement with rasas of ragas, a connection that has defined their artistic evolution over the years.

Thematic Highlights:

RaGa Medley – A mesmerizing blend of ragas, where structured elaborations and improvisational flights create a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

Lyric & Tradition Medley – A curated selection of compositions spanning multiple linguistic and cultural traditions, embodying the devotional and narrative richness of Indian classical repertoire.

Grahabheda Medley – A fascinating exploration of how shifting the tonic note within a raga creates new melodic landscapes, showcasing both the mathematical precision and artistic beauty of Indian classical music.

Beyond a conventional performance, Rasa by Raga aspires to be a transformative experience. Each phrase, each melodic turn, and each rhythmic cycle carries the essence of an ancient yet ever-evolving tradition. This thematic concert bridges time-honoured musicality and contemporary sensibilities, ensuring that both connoisseurs and new listeners connect deeply to the music.

“Classical music is an ever-evolving river, adapting and influencing while staying true to its essence. Through this concert, we wish to highlight its boundless adaptability and emotional resonance.” — Gayatri

“Each piece in ‘Rasa by Raga’ has a story to tell. It’s our way of conversing with tradition while embracing spontaneity and discovery.” “At a time when the classical arts must find renewed resonance in contemporary society, we believe in organic evolution—one that respects the past while embracing the present.” — Ranjani

From intricate Ragam Tanam Pallavis to the emotive depth of lyrical compositions, every element of Rasa by Raga is carefully curated to capture the essence of Indian classical music. The duo’s seamless interplay, intuitive improvisation, and deep-rooted understanding of musical aesthetics promise an evening that will leave audiences spellbound.

They will be joined by an exceptional ensemble of accompanying artists:

Charumati Raghuraman – Violin
K. Sai Giridhar – Mridangam
S. Krishna – Ghatam

Since its inception at Chennai’s Narada Gana Sabha, Rasa by Raga has captivated audiences across 17 major cities in India and the United States, reaffirming the universal appeal of Indian classical music. It exemplifies Ranjani and Gayatri’s commitment to making classical music more listener friendly by simplifying the complexity without compromising its foundation and depth. Their belief in music as a living, breathing art form drives their continuous quest to innovate within the framework of tradition.

Event Details:

Date: March 7, 2025
Venue: Tata Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai
Time: 6:30 p.m. onwards
Tickets available on www.bookmyshow.com

About Pancham Nishad:

Pancham Nishad is an organization which has been conceptualizing and managing musical events for over two decades. Incorporated in 1996, Pancham Nishad is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical music, curating events that bring together the finest artists and enthusiasts in celebration of the subcontinent’s rich musical heritage.

Join us for ‘Rasa by Raga’—an evening where music transcends performance, weaving melody, rhythm, and emotion into an unforgettable artistic experience.

Though Ustad Zakir Hussain is no longer with us in this world, his presence continues to resonate, his spirit lives on through his music, and his essence remains woven into the rhythm of every beat. His unparalleled artistry, humility, and passion for Indian classical music have left an indelible mark, inspiring musicians and music lovers alike across generations.

The concept for “3 Sur 3 Taal” was born during an impromptu conversation between Shri Shashi Vyas, Founder and Managing Director of Pancham Nishad Creatives Pvt. Ltd., and Ustad Zakir Hussain. While the idea remained dormant due to their respective commitments, it was revived in October 2024 as a platform to showcase prodigious young talent. Today, it stands as a heartfelt Pranaam to the maestro, celebrating his vision of uniting tradition with youthful energy.

“3 Sur 3 Taal” features three integral aspects of Indian classical music:

• Kanthswars: Vocal performances
• Swarvadyas: Melodic instrumental performances
• Taalvadyas: Percussion performances

“Veteran tabla maestro Yogesh Samsi will reflect on Ustad Zakir Hussain’s immense contributions, offering deep insights into his musical legacy, the featured performances, and the essence of Indian classical music.”

Performance Lineup

Session 1

• Vivek Pandya – Tabla Solo | Ajay Joglekar (Lehra)
  Timing: 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM
• Mehtab Ali Niazi – Sitar | Khurram (Tabla)
  Timing: 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
• Aniruddha Aithal – Vocal | Swapnil Bhise (Tabla) | Siddhesh Bicholkar (Harmonium)
  Timing: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Session 2

• Ishaan Ghosh – Tabla Solo | Sabir Khan (Sarangi)
  Timing: 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
• S Akash – Flute | Aditya Kalyanpur (Tabla)
  Timing: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Armaan Khan – Vocal | Surjeet Singh (Tabla) | Nachiket (Harmonium)
  Timing: 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM

Session 3

• Yashwant Vaishnav – Tabla Solo | Sabir Khan (Sarangi)
  Timing: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
• Momin Khan – Sarangi | Anubrata Chatterjee (Tabla)
  Timing: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Gandhar Deshpande – Vocal | Yati Bhagwat (Tabla) | Sudhanshu Gharpure (Harmonium)
  Timing: 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM

Event Details

• Title: 3 Sur 3 Taal – Sangeetmay Tihai
• Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM onwards
• Venue: Y. B. Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point, Mumbai
• Entry: The event is open to all (Few seats reserved).

A Heartfelt Homage

“3 Sur 3 Taal” is a soulful celebration of the maestro’s vision and a reminder of his timeless presence. Join us for this musical journey as we offer our respect to Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary legacy through the vibrant voices, melodies, and rhythms of young talent.