A Memorable Confluence of Vocal, Instrumental and Dance Traditions Marks Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2026
Pune, 22nd June 2026: Vocal recitals, instrumental virtuosity, rare jugalbandis and classical dance came together over three days at the Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2026, held at the New Auditorium of FTII, Pune. The festival featured an impressive line-up of distinguished artistes and offered audiences a rewarding experience of India’s classical performing traditions.
The festival was organised by the Suhana Basant Foundation in association with Kannada Sangha Pune and supported by FTII pune as venue partner,
The two major highlights of the festival were the concluding recital by Padma Shri Pandit Venkatesh Kumar, whose commanding presentation traversed Raag Shuddha Kalyan, Ramdasi Malhar, Basant Bahar and Sohoni, before concluding with Kannada vachanas and devotional compositions in Kannada and Marathi, and the Sitar Panchak presented on the opening day featuring leading exponents of the Dharwad Gharana—Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Ustad Rafique Khan, Ustad Shafique Khan, Rais Bale Khan and Mansoor Khan—who performed Raag Maru Bihag and Sohani.
Earlier in the evening of the final day, acclaimed vocalist Vidushi Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar enthralled listeners with Raag Marwa and Miyaki Malhar, presenting intricate compositions and concluding with kannada bhajan and the bhajan, “bolava Vitthal Pahava Vitthal”. The evening had opened with an engaging Sarod–Sitar duet by Abhishek Borkar and Mohasin Khan in Raag Bhimpalas, marked by expressive alaap, dynamic compositions and a sawal-jawab that culminated in a beautiful jhala. The festival concluded with a special recording of Ustad Bale Khan’s sitar rendition in Raag Bhairavi.
The morning session of the concluding day featured a rare vocal–flute jugalbandi by Pt. Jayateerth Mevundi and Pt. Praveen Godkhindi, who presented Ahir Bhairav and Vrindavani Sarang before concluding with a selection of beloved bhajans. Earlier, Ustad Arshad Ali Khan opened the day with a soulful vocal recital featuring Raag Miyan Ki Todi and Raag Deskar.
Day two of the festival showcased the diversity of Hindustani classical traditions. Renowned vocalist Pt. Raghunandan Panshikar presented Raag Tilak Kamod, Raag Bhoop, Raag Anand Malhar. Earlier, celebrated santoor maestro Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori presented an expansive recital in Raag Kaushik Ranjani, displaying the expressive possibilities of the instrument through alaap, jod and and gat. The day began with a vocal recital by noted Kirana Gharana exponent Pt. Sudhakar Chavan, who rendered Raag Madhuvanti and a Marathi bhajan.
Day one also featured ‘Bahurang’, an acclaimed dance choreographies by Nirupama and Rajendra and the Abhinava team, Bengaluru, blending Kathak, Karanas and movements inspired by the Natyashastra.
Over three days, the Mahotsav presented a balanced blend of vocal music, instrumental recitals, jugalbandis and dance, reaffirming the enduring appeal and depth of India’s classical arts traditions. The festival was anchored by Akash Thitte.
