Pune, 13 December 2025: The third day of the 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Music Festival began on a high note with an engaging first session at the Maharashtriya Mandal grounds in Mukundnagar. Organised by Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, the festival once again showcased the depth and diversity of Indian classical music.
The first session featured young santoor player Satyendrasingh Solanki, whose energetic and refined performance captivated the audience. His recital brought out the expressive range of the instrument and was warmly received by classical music lovers.
This was followed by a vocal performance by Srinivas Joshi, son and disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Joshi rendered Raga Puriya with compositions in Ektal and Teental, marked by clarity and strength.
He later presented Raga Suha Kanada and concluded with the popular abhang by Sant Tukaram Maharaj, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.
The second session of the day was equally impressive. Renowned sitarist Ustad Shujaat Khan performed Raga Tilak Kamod, unfolding the raga gradually through alaap, jod, and jhala. Staying true to the Imdadkhani gharana style, his sitar playing was marked by precision, depth, and emotional richness.
The evening concluded with a vocal recital by Padma Shri awardee and senior Jaipur gharana exponent Ashwini Bhide Deshpande. She began with Raga Jog, presenting it with calm progression and classical purity. Her performance reflected the essence of traditional gayaki and left the audience immersed in a tranquil musical experience.
With such powerful and varied performances, the third day of the Sawai Gandharva Festival stood out as a celebration of both youthful talent and seasoned mastery in Indian classical music.