Mon Dec 29 15:59:06 UTC 2025: Summary:

The e-paper edition of The Hindu, dated December 29, 2025, features various sections including world affairs from an Indian perspective, cinema news, technology updates, science, data analysis, health, and book reviews. In Palakkad, India, the Swaralaya Samanwayam dance and music festival showcased a mesmerizing jugalbandhi performance by shehnai maestro Pandit Shailesh Bhagwat and sitar exponent Ustad Rafeeque Khan. The duo, despite their different instrumental backgrounds, achieved harmonious musicality. Following their performance was a Sufi Qawwali rendition. Playback singer Satheesh Babu Kozhikode received the Swaralaya Vijaya Jayaraj Award at the event.

News Article:

Hindustani Music Masters Unite at Swaralaya Samanwayam Festival

Palakkad, India – December 29, 2025 – The Rapadi open air auditorium in Palakkad resonated with the sounds of Hindustani music Monday evening as Pandit Shailesh Bhagwat and Ustad Rafeeque Khan presented a captivating jugalbandhi as part of the ongoing Swaralaya Samanwayam dance and music festival.

Shehnai maestro Pandit Shailesh Bhagwat, a disciple of the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan, and sitar exponent Ustad Rafeeque Khan showcased a harmonious blend of wind and string instruments. “It is always a joy to perform together, to support and complement one another,” the artists stated, emphasizing the synergy despite their different musical roots.

The performance commenced with an alaap in Raga Yaman, transitioning to a selection of night ragas. Bhagwat’s restrained shehnai tones beautifully intertwined with Khan’s nimble sitar playing, creating a mesmerizing musical experience.

The evening also featured a Sufi Qawwali performance by Ustad Ashraf Hydros, Dr. Sumit Datta, and their team. Earlier in the evening, playback singer Satheesh Babu Kozhikode was honored with the Swaralaya Vijaya Jayaraj Award, presented by Karivallur Murali, with Palakkad Municipal Chairperson P. Smithesh presenting the Swaralaya mudra.

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