Posted on 22 March 2026:
Robi-Raagini: Celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s 165th Birth Anniversary Through Eternal Raagas
In the gentle twilight of May, Robi-Raagini (রবি-রাগিণী) unfolds as an evocative tribute to the Bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, on his 165th birth anniversary. This evening of Rabindrasangeet interwoven with timeless raagas is not merely a performance—it is a journey into the soul of Tagore’s creations, where poetry, melody and philosophy converge.
Hosted at the intimate Barzakh Café in Brooklyn, New York, Robi-Raagini (রবি-রাগিণী) gathers three distinct yet harmonious voices of tradition—Sanchari Bhattacharyya’s soulful vocals, Tejas Pradeep’s rhythmic tabla and Michael Harrist’s resonant sarangi. Together, they weave a soundscape that transcends borders, echoing Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of universal humanism and the eternal dialogue between East and West.
The performance is led by Sanchari Bhattacharyya, a Hindustani classical vocalist specializing in khyal and semi-classical forms. A dedicated disciple of Guru Sri Anjan Majumdar since 2015, Sanchari’s artistry reflects a deep grounding in classical training, enriched by her expressive approach to Tagore’s repertoire. Her parallel journey in Rabindrasangeet, guided by Guru Sri Suranjan Roy since 2012, adds a lyrical dimension to her work, making her voice a bridge between tradition and innovation.
Renowned musician Sanchari Bhattacharyya stands as both a devoted student and an inspired performer of Hindustani Classical Music, Rabindrasangeet, and Bengali songs. Her philosophy, rooted in her Guru’s teaching, emphasizes that music is not merely notation but a living story—a dialogue between tradition and emotion. As the founder of Mandra Saptak Baithaks LLC, she has created a platform that nurtures community, celebrates heritage, and inspires students to embrace music as storytelling.
Joining Sanchari Bhattacharyya is Tejas Pradeep, a New York–based percussionist whose tabla artistry is shaped by training under Muthu Kumar, Salar Nader, and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Alongside him, Michael K. Harrist brings the haunting resonance of the sarangi, enriched by his studies with masters such as Pandit Ramesh Mishra, Aruna Narayan, Rohan Mishra and Suhail Yusuf Khan. Together, the trio presents a program that moves seamlessly between Rabindrasangeet and classical raagas, honoring Tagore’s musical legacy while exploring the broader landscape of Hindustani music.
Ultimately, Robi-Raagini becomes more than a concert—it is a celebration of heritage, a rekindling of cultural memory, and a reminder of how Tagore’s words and melodies continue to inspire across generations.
IN HONORING THE LEGACY, ROBI-RAAGINI INVITES ALL TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN THE CADENCE OF RABINDRASANGEET, WHERE EVERY NOTE WHISPERS OF LOVE, LONGING AND LIBERATION.
Images: 1. Guru Shri Anjan Majumdar 2. Guru Shri Suranjan Roy
