Three Days of Timeless Melody and Mastery conclude at the 28th Kalashree Music Festival

Pune, April 6th, 2026: Immersing the city in the timeless resonance of Indian classical music,the three-day 28th Kalashree Music festival, organised by Gurukul Kalashree Sangeet Mandal, concluded on a sweet and spirited note celebrating eminent artists and their artistry. The festival created an atmosphere steeped in tradition, discipline and excellence.

Among the dignitaries present across the three days were MLA Shankarbhau Jagtap, corporator Prashant Shitole, Chandrarang Group CEO Aditya Laxman Jagtap, Industrialists and social worker Viju Sheth Jagtap, founder of Gurukul Kalashree Sangeet Mandal and noted vocalist Pt Sudhakar Chavan, trustee Sachchidanand Kulkarni and Nandkishore Dhore along with several eminent personalities from the fields of music, culture and public life.

Each day of the festival began with vocal and instrumental performances by students of the Kalashree and Radhanand Music Schools,.

The festival took shape over three days with a rich and diverse musical line-up. On Day 1, vocalist Abhaysingh Waghchaure set the tone with a rendering of Raag Puriya Dhanashree, while Krishna Salunkhe captivated the audience with a powerful presentation of Aaditaal on the pakhawaj. Vocalist Ankita Joshi followed with evocative renditions of Raag Darbari Kanada and Raag Hansdhwani.

Day 2 witnessed a compelling performance by Shrinivas Joshi, son and disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who presented Raag Marwa with depth and maturity. This was followed by a dynamic solo tabla performance by Pt Vishwas Jadhav, showcasing intricate peshkar, kaayda and rela. The evening reached a high point with Pt Shaunak Abhisheki, son and disciple of Pt Jitendra Abhisheki, who amazed listeners with Raag Aadana.

On the final day, Pt Sudhakar Chavan presented Raag Marubihag with elegance, while sitarist Ustaad Rais Bale Khan, son of sitar virtuoso-Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan, mesmerised the audience with Raag Saraswati. The festival concluded with a graceful Kathak performance by Rujuta Soman, a disciple of Pandita Rohini Bhate, who presented her piece with delicacy in Teentaal.

The highlight of the festival was the presentation of the Kalashree Award to renowned classical vocalist Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar, instituted in memory of former MLA Laxman Jagtap. The award carries a cash prize of ₹1,51,101 along with a memento and citation. In her acceptance speech, Ankalikar-Tikekar remarked that the true beginning of classical music lies in tuning the tanpura with complete concentration and seamlessly merging one’s note into its Shadja, calling this moment an artist’s first real reward. She described the tanpura as a meditative anchor, emphasizing that rigorous riyaaz, patience, and deep focus form the foundation of musical growth. Dedicating her achievements to her gurus and parents, she added that classical music demands years of disciplined practice without expectations of early success, and only those with genuine passion for singing or playing should pursue it, while also acknowledging the role of listeners in her journey.

The Kalashree Yuva Award, instituted in memory of Shakuntala Dhore, was presented to young tabla artist Soham Gorane, a disciple of Yogesh Samsi. Gorane expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to furthering his practice in tabla.

The event was anchored over the three days by Namdev Talpe, Shrikant Choughule and Akash Thite.