Shimla Sangeet Mahotsav inaugurated

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri inaugurated the three-day Shimla Sangeet Mohatsav-2024 at the Gothic Hall of the historic Gaiety Theatre here today. The festival is being organised by the Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh.

During the event, the Deputy CM honoured Padma Shri awardee Som Datt Battu, a Hindustani classical vocalist from the Patiala gharana based in Shimla.

The festival features renowned classical music artists. On the first day, Arnab Chakraborty performed on the sarod, presenting the Raag Malhar, followed by a Sufi Kathak and vocal performance by Manjari Chaturvedi and Mita Pandit, showcasing the traditions of the Gwalior royal court.

On the second day, renowned vocalist Pt. Vidyadhar Vyas will perform vocals, followed by a duet featuring Sunanda Sharma and Rajendra Prasanna, combining singing and flute.

The last day of the festival will feature Abhay Sopori on the santoor, along with traditional Raag Natiya Qawwali performances by the Warsi brothers, Nasir Ahmed Warsi and Nazeer Ahmed Warsi.