Fri Feb 28 03:30:00 UTC 2025: **Mangaluru’s Thriving Hindustani Classical Music Scene Takes Center Stage**

MANGALURU, INDIA (February 28, 2025) – Mangaluru’s vibrant classical music scene is flourishing, with several organizations playing a key role in promoting Hindustani classical music in a region traditionally known for its Carnatic music. Recent events highlight the city’s growing appreciation for this art form.

The Sangeet Bharati Foundation, active since 1996, recently held its annual Yuva Mahotsav, a two-day festival featuring a national-level Hindustani classical music competition. Twenty-four musicians from across India competed, with Ishan Ghosh (vocalist) and Madhav Kalra (instrumental) winning their respective categories. The event also included masterclasses led by renowned musicians like Poornima Bhat Kulkarni, Shashank Maktedar, and Ustad Rafique Khan, providing valuable insights for aspiring artists. The foundation’s president, Rafique Khan, emphasized the organization’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent from across the country.

Other organizations are also contributing significantly. The Chirantana Charitable Trust, known for its annual Panchamada Inchara Viveka Smriti concerts since 2012, focuses on cultivating a listening culture by encouraging performers to discuss their compositions. Their current project involves archiving rare compositions with vocalist Ravikiran Manipal. Swaraanand Pratishthan’s “Baithak” series, featuring intimate performances by renowned Hindustani musicians in a refurbished auditorium, further enriches the city’s musical landscape. The series recently showcased performances by Mithun Chakravarty and Bahauddin Dagar.

The city’s enthusiasm extends beyond these organized events. Institutions like Expert Group of Institutions and even a local Kannada newspaper actively promote classical music through their own annual programs, bringing artists from across India to perform. This widespread involvement underscores Mangaluru’s growing appreciation for Hindustani classical music, a testament to the dedication of various organizations and individuals in fostering its growth and popularity.

Read More