Posted on 28 October 2026:
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Sound Bytes of the Day
An extraordinary Solo Shatatantri Veena recital celebrates the Maihar gharana tradition– accompanied by brilliant tabla performances & inspiring musical discourse.
Santoor Recital of Raga Madhu Malati by Pandit Dishari Chakrabarty Enthralls New Delhi: A Maihar Gharana Tribute
On Sunday evening, 25 October 2026, New Delhi heard a rare raga on a rare instrument. Eminent Santoor maestro Pandit Dishari Chakrabarty presented Raga Madhu Malati in a spellbinding solo recital, a tribute to the Maihar gharana tradition. The raga is associated with the legendary Swar Samrat, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ali Akbar Khan Sahib.
A Challenging Raga on the Santoor
The Santoor, also known as the Shatatantri Veena, is an instrument whose delicate tones demand great technical command and sensitivity. Pandit Chakrabarty met that demand with fluent melody, intricate taans and evocative tonal textures.
The organisers described the recital as a historic first for the Santoor, offering audiences a rare chance to hear Madhu Malati through its shimmering sound.
The evening was enriched by the accompaniment of renowned tabla exponent Pandit Manoj Srivastava and his talented son, Master Ruddraksh Srivastava. Their rhythmic exchanges with the Santoor made the evening a lively dialogue between melody and percussion.
Distinguished Guests and a Warm Felicitation
Among those present were Vidushi Preeti Srivastava, eminent Kathak exponent; Mrs. Irani Chakraborty, senior journalist and television director from Bangladesh; and tabla player Sri Prosenjit Adhikary. Artists from Delhi and students of Rudra Sangeet Vidyalaya also attended.
After the recital, Pandit Chakrabarty was felicitated by the vocal guru of Pandit Manoj Srivastava with a traditional garland and a memento.
An evening that resonated with the audience
Listeners called the performance “amazing”, “truly mesmerising” and “hypnotising”.
They praised the seamless tabla accompaniment and the way the programme introduced young people to the history of the Santoor.
Many hoped for more such evenings that pair live music with informative discussion.
“Beyond its artistic achievements, the evening served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of India’s classical musical heritage. By bringing together accomplished musicians, respected cultural personalities and enthusiastic students, the program created a meaningful space for artistic dialogue and cultural education,” says the organizors.
As the final notes faded, the evening showed how tradition stays alive when it is shared with the next generation of listeners.
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