Famed Bollywood singers Kailash Kher, Usha Uthup lead grand closing at Sacred Amritsar

The Sacred Amritsar 2026 concluded on a deeply spiritual note, bringing together a rich blend of music, ideas, and immersive cultural experiences. The festival culminated in a spectacular musical finale led by some of India’s most iconic voices, including Usha Uthup and Kailash Kher.

The concluding day began with tranquil morning ragas, where Aastha Mandle’s classical brilliance, accompanied by tabla, harmonium, and sarod, created a serene and contemplative atmosphere. This was followed by an engaging Indian classical flute and percussion recital by Kartikeya Vashist and Makrand Sanon, which took the audience by surprise with its eclectic fusion of musical styles. The experimental performance drew listeners into an immersive soundscape through the innovative use of real-time sounds.

The festival’s reflective dimension came alive during the thought-provoking session Afterlives: The Ghosts Around Us, featuring Sanjoy K Roy in conversation with Eric Chopra. The discussion drew audiences into a compelling dialogue on memory, spirituality, and the unseen. Eric’s debut book, Ghosted, and Roy’s There’s a Ghost in My Room were also explored during the session.

Adding further depth to the experience, specially curated heritage trails led delegates through the storied streets, sacred gurdwaras, and historic katras of the city. Guided by city chronicler Tarundeep Singh, these immersive walks included visits to the sacred Golden Temple and explorations of the Partition Museum, allowing participants to connect closely with the region’s spiritual and historical legacy.

The highlight of the festival, however, was the grand evening concerts at Gobindgarh Fort. The Anirudh Varma Collective presented an ensemble performance of classical Indian compositions, setting an elegant tone for the evening. Later, Usha Uthup, the original diva of Indian film music, transported the audience on a wave of retro nostalgia with her popular numbers. Her lively interaction with the crowd proved just as memorable as her songs. The final evening opened with The Kutle Khan Project, which set the tone with evocative folk and Sufi melodies. The festival reached its crescendo with a powerful, high-energy performance by Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa.