Sat Mar 01 18:00:10 UTC 2025: **Mahindra Percussion Festival Opens with Fusion of Tradition and Innovation**
Bengaluru, March 1, 2025 – The Mahindra Percussion Festival ‘25, held at the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts, opened Saturday with a vibrant blend of traditional Indian classical music and innovative fusion. The festival paid tribute to the late tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, with an illuminated portrait and photo installation celebrating his life and legacy.
Veteran vocalist Aruna Sairam launched the festival with her Thrillana Project, offering a fresh interpretation of traditional thillanas with a diverse ensemble of instrumentalists. Sitarist Ravi Chary followed with his “Ravi Chary Crossing” project, a high-energy performance fusing Indian classical strains with jazz, funk, and rock, showcasing songs from his 2012 album. The performance highlighted the influence of percussion virtuoso Trilok Gurtu on Chary’s fusion style. Gurtu himself also performed, demonstrating his exceptional improvisational skills.
The festival continues Sunday with performances by fusion duo SNAX and Ranjit Barot, along with Roysten Abel’s BeatRoute, a theatrical journey through music.
First Piper 