55th All India Bhaskar Rao Nritya & Sangeet Sammelan 2026

Pracheen Kala Kendra, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, proudly presents the 55th All India Bhaskar Rao Nritya & Sangeet Sammelan, a luminous festival of classical music and dance, from 12th to 14th March 2026 at 6:30 PM daily at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh.

Since its inception in 1969, this Sammelan has stood as one of India’s oldest and most revered cultural gatherings, offering a distinguished stage for both emerging talents and legendary maestros. Over the decades, it has become a cherished destination for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, weaving together the vibrant threads of India’s rich classical traditions.

Honouring a Timeless Legacy

Bhaskarbua Bakhale: Dev Gandharva of Indian Classical Arts

Bhaskarbua Bakhale (1869–1922), revered as Dev Gandharva by the illustrious Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, remains a radiant presence in the annals of Indian classical music and dance. Trained under eminent gurus, he faced the profound challenge of losing his voice, yet through resilience and devotion, he mastered khayal gayaki and cultivated an exceptional command over laya and tala. His artistry was not merely technical brilliance but a testament to perseverance, shaping a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and dancers.

To honour this enduring contribution, Pracheen Kala Kendra established the Bhaskar Rao Nritya & Sangeet Sammelan in 1969. Over the decades, the festival has blossomed into one of India’s most prestigious celebrations of three major streams of Indian classical arts—vocal (gayan), instrumental (vadan), and dance (nritya). More than a cultural event, the Sammelan stands as a living tribute to Bhaskarbua’s vision—an ever-evolving confluence of tradition, creativity, and devotion to the timeless spirit of Indian classical heritage.

This year’s 55th edition holds special significance. For the first time, the festival will unfold across two cities—Chandigarh from 12th to 14th March 2026 at Tagore Theatre, and Vadodara from 21st to 22nd March 2026 in collaboration with Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, where Bhaskarbua himself once served as faculty. This expansion not only honours his historic association with the institution but also deepens the festival’s cultural reach, weaving together audiences from diverse regions into a shared celebration of India’s timeless classical arts.

EVENING OF MELODY AND MOVEMENT : THE 55TH ALL INDIA BHASKAR RAO NRITYA & SANGEET SAMMELAN PROMISES AN ENCHANTING CONFLUENCE OF MUSIC AND DANCE

Program – 12 March 2026

An Evening of Classical Splendour

The inaugural evening of the Sammelan opens with a vocal recital by Vidushi Indrani Mukherjee, accompanied by the rhythmic artistry of Ustad Akram Khan on tabla and the melodic support of Dr. Vinay Kumar Mishra on harmonium. The program will be continued with a captivating Bharatanatyam performance by Vidushi Vidhya Subramanian and her troupe, bringing to life the grace, rhythm, and expressive depth of this timeless dance tradition.

Program – 13 March 2026

Strings, Rhythm and Grace

The second evening of the Sammelan brings together the elegance of melody and the vitality of rhythm. Audiences will be treated to a flute and tabla jugalbandi by Pandit Ronu Majumdar and Pandit Kumar Bose, a dialogue of breath and beat that embodies the spirit of improvisation and harmony. The program continues with a powerful tabla duet by Pandit Nayan Ghosh and Shri. Ishaan Ghosh, accompanied by Ustad Sabir Sultan Khan on sarangi, weaving intricate layers of rhythm and resonance.

Program – 14 March 2026

A Grand Finale of Rhythm and Resonance

The closing evening of the Sammelan shines with brilliance, beginning with a sitar recital by Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee, accompanied by the dynamic tabla artistry of Pandit Satyajit Talwalkar. Their performance promises a seamless blend of melody and rhythm, evoking the timeless spirit of Hindustani classical music.

The night continues with an evocative Odissi dance presentation by Guru Sharmila Biswas and her troupe, whose graceful movements and expressive storytelling embody the spiritual depth of this classical tradition.