Solo Sitar Recitals in the Maihar Gharana Tradition
When I sit with my sitar, it is not just a performance; it is a meditative dialogue with the raga. Rooted in the Maihar Gharana tradition passed down by my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar, these solo recitals are a spiritual journey I am honoured to share.
In conversation with the tabla, a key element of my solo Hindustani classical performances. This is the heart of the Maihar Gharana tradition, a deep, meditative experience I love sharing with audiences.
A close-up shot from my performance at the iconic Vishnu Digambar Jayanti in Delhi. It was a fulfilling experience to play for such a wonderful and knowledgeable audience.
A lovely "Morning Music" session at JLF Valladolid in Spain. Performing in a park with peacocks and birds joining in was a beautiful and unique experience.
A photo from my concert at the Saptak festival in Ahmedabad. You can see the portrait of my Guru in the background, whose presence I always feel on stage.
A close-up of my hands on the sitar during a concert. Each note is a prayer, a continuation of the knowledge passed down through generations.
After a concert at the Maha Kumbh Mela, I went straight to the Ghats. I performed my Guru’s composition, Raga Gangeshwari, which he himself composed on these very banks in 1968.
Performing at the renowned Saptak festival in Ahmedabad. This festival has been a part of my musical life since I was a teenager.
The poster for my performance at the Vishnu Digambar Jayanti Sangeet Samaroh, a festival that remains true to the purity of classical music.
A selfie on the Ghats in Prayagraj after my performance. Sharing this spiritual and musical experience with friends and fellow artists is always special.
A photo from a review of my performance at the Saptak music festival. It is humbling to read that my music rekindled memories of my guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar.
About Solo Sitar: Meditations in Raga
Every recital I perform is specifically curated to the time of day, following the ancient concept of Prahar (time-based ragas). This ensures that the music you hear is harmonically aligned with the natural cycle, creating a truly immersive and authentic atmosphere for your guests.
My musical path began in my teens under the guidance of my Guru, Bharat Ratna Pt. Ravi Shankar. That training is the foundation of everything I do. In these solo sitar recitals, I stay true to the Maihar Gharana tradition. I am always accompanied by an A-Grade Tabla maestro, as the rhythm is the heartbeat of the raga.
What you can expect is a 60 to 90-minute journey into the depths of Hindustani classical music. We focus on the structure of the Raga, moving through the Alap (introduction), Jod (pulse), Jhala (excitement), and culminating in a Gat composition. Because this is pure classical music, I do not play Bollywood or request songs. My goal is to create an ambience of serious listening and introspection.
For sound, I provide a dedicated sound engineer to manage the acoustic balance. We do require a mandatory 60-minute sound check before your guests arrive to ensure the sitar’s delicate resonance is captured perfectly. This is a performance designed to bring a sense of grace and calm to your gathering, whether it is a private soiree or a larger concert hall event.
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