Shyamhari Chakra
NEW DELHI: The stage is set for the 95th edition of India’s immensely popular Tansen Samaroh – also known as Tansen Sangeet Samaroh – in the historic city of Gwalior from December 26 to 30.
One of the greatest musicians of India who was known as one of the nine gems in the Court of Emperor Akbar, Tansen continues to be the most revered name in the field of music of the Indian sub-continent.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh hosts this five-day famous festival near the tomb of Tansen through its Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy and the Department of Culture.
Launched 95 years ago, Tansen Samaroh was originally a local festival but it was at the initiative of BV Keskar who was the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting between 1952 and 1962 that it was redesigned as a major national music festival.
Artistes and connoisseur from all over the world gather here to pay their tribute to the Great Indian musical maestro.
Situated at a distance of just one kilometre from the majestic Gwalior Fort, Tansen’s tomb, known for its architecture, is a popular destination for the visitors.
The festival this year will feature a number of veteran exponents of music who would present concerts of solo and jugalbandis of vocal and instrumental music.
Concerts of Dhrupad vocal apart, the star attraction of the year would be instrumental concerts of Sarangi, Santoor, Sarod, Soor Bahar, Violin, Flute, Guitar, Pakhwaj and Mandolin.
The World Music segment of the festival will feature music from Iran, Mexico and UK.
The fitting finale of the festival will be staged on banks of Jhilmil river in Behat, the place where Tansen was born.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism has announced two special packages for the visitors arriving for the festival.
“Planning to attend Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior? Add a little more fun to your musical journey with two suggested itineraries which include age-old destinations of Mitawli-Padawli-Bateshwar-Chambal and weaving communities of Chanderi & rich heritage of Orchha”, MP Tourism tweet announced.