Bishnupur Music Festival 2025: A timeless reverberation of melodies– GetBengal Story
The rhythmic beats of Pt Tanmoy Bose’s, tabla blending beautifully with the soulful strains of Pt Debojyoti Bose’s sarod—this will be the magic of the Bishnupur Music Festival, an annual event that brings Hindustani classical music to life against the breathtaking backdrop of Bishnupur’s iconic terracotta temples. Just 132 km away from Kolkata, Bishnupur ,known not just for its stunning architecture and exquisite handloom and silk sarees but also as the home of the Bishnupur Gharana, a treasure trove of classical music.
Like the previous years, this year too the West Bengal Tourism Department will be hosting the Bishnupur Music Festival, a much-awaited event, from today to 23 at Jor Shrenir Mandir, Pora Matir Hat in Bishnupur, promising an unforgettable experience of melody and tradition. There will be no entry fee.
The Bishnupur Gharana traces its origins back to the 13th century. It remains the only vocal gharana of West Bengal, and its legacy was significantly shaped by Bahadur Khan, a descendant of the legendary Tansen. Seeking refuge in Bishnupur after fleeing Aurangzeb’s court, Khan found patronage under King Raghunath Singh Deo II. Here, he trained generations of musicians who carried forward the gharana’s distinctive style.
This year, the Bishnupur Music Festival will once again showcase some of the finest talents in Hindustani classical music. Each evening promises mesmerizing performances by renowned artists:
On March 21, Kathak virtuoso Sandip Mallick, Mandira Pal, sitarist Sandeep Niyogi, and Arindam Bhattacharya will grace the stage. On March 22, Pt. Sanjay Mukherjee on tabla and Hironmoy Mitra on harmonium will enthral audiences with their soulful renditions. The grand finale will feature performances by Pt. Debojyoti Bose, Pt. Tanmoy Bose, and Pt. Omkar Dadarkar, one of India’s leading Hindustani classical vocalists, on the last day of the festival, i.e., on March 23.
This year, the Bishnupur Music Festival took a significant step towards inclusivity by recognising World Down Syndrome Day. As part of this initiative, the festival welcomed and celebrated talent beyond barriers. A moment of pride for the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, this gesture highlighted the festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Sreyan Banerjee, a talented performer affected by Down syndrome, took the stage and mesmerized the audience with his performance in Gaudiya Nritya, a classical dance form of Bengal. Sreyan has received both national and state-level recognition for his achievements. His journey says that Down syndrome has never been a hindrance to his success. This inspiring initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism, Department of Skill Development, and the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
The Bishnupur Music Festival is more than just an event; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to witness the confluence of history, art, and music.
Come, be a part of this magical celebration and let the music transport you to another era.
