Bhilwara Sur Sangam 2026 Kicks Off in New Delhi with Packed Audience and Mesmerizing Performances
NEW DELHI, April 5, 2026
The 13th edition of Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the flagship Indian classical music festival presented by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, commenced on April 4 at the Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, witnessing an overwhelming turnout of classical music enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and cultural patrons. The opening evening set a resonant tone for the two-day cultural celebration, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a distinguished platform for India’s rich musical traditions.
The evening began with a Hindustani vocal recital by Shri Bhagyesh Marathe, a disciple of Pandit Kedar Bodas from the lineage of Pandit Ram Marathe and a recipient of the CITI-NCPA Kesarbai Kerkar Scholarship. His nuanced and expansive presentation, marked by clarity of raga and emotive depth, held the audience in rapt attention throughout.
This was followed by a Saraswati Veena recital by Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, a sixth-generation Carnatic musician and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2024, conferred by the Hon’ble President, Droupadi Murmu. She has also been nominated for the Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award 2026 by The Music Academy during its 100th conference year, an honour regarded as the highest accolade in Carnatic music. Her intricate and meditative rendition, blending technical mastery with tonal richness, created a deeply immersive atmosphere, leaving the audience visibly captivated.
Reflecting on his musical journey and philosophy, Shri Bhagyesh Marathe said, “Music is not just an art form for me; it is a legacy that requires complete surrender… ‘Riyaaz’ is more than practice; it is a spiritual discipline. To truly honor one’s lineage, an artist must balance deep respect for the past with the courage to express their own soul.”
Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, known for her profound engagement with the veena, said, “The Veena is not just an instrument; it is a manifestation of the cosmic sound… Music has the power to heal and act as a bridge between the material and the divine, allowing the listener to experience stillness within the melody.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ravi Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, LNJ Bhilwara Group, said, “Celebrating Indian classical music at the Bhilwara Sur Sangam is an honor we hold close to our hearts. For over a decade, we have championed a vision where the magic of music meets the power of community, carrying forward a tradition that connects generations.”
The strong audience presence on the opening day underscored the enduring appeal of classical music and the festival’s role in nurturing a vibrant cultural ecosystem.
The festival will continue on its second day, April 5, featuring performances by Shri Samanway Sarkar and the legendary Pt. Mukul Shivputra, promising another evening of profound musical exploration.
Organized annually by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, Bhilwara Sur Sangam remains a significant cultural initiative aimed at preserving and promoting India’s classical heritage while fostering deeper engagement between artists and audiences.
