Vasantotsav 2026 :
The defining moments that brought music together
The three days of Vasantotsav 2026 featured melody, rhythm, and storytelling that warmed Pune’s chilly January evenings. Folk expression, music, and classical traditions came together in a setting shaped by both performance and careful listening. The result was a festival distinctive not only by its schedule but also by the recollections and moments it created.
Rooted in its founding values, Vasantotsav has evolved into a space where diverse musical traditions coexist without hierarchy. What began as a tribute has become a living festival that trusts both its artists and audiences. This spirit was visible in the 19th edition, where over 8,000 music lovers gathered each evening, listening with openness, curiosity, and engagement.
Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar’s presence lent the festival gravitas and continuity, reinforcing its commitment to tradition, seriousness, and lifelong dedication to music. Veteran actor Nana Patekar’s attendance further underscored its cultural significance.
Day 1: An Energetic Opening and a Return to Roots
The festival opened with a lively performance by father and son, Osman Mir and Aamir Mir. Their spirited set energised the audience and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the days ahead.
The second half featured Natyasangeetachi Vatchal – From Heritage to Heartbeat, directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari and performed by Rahul Deshpande, Priyanka Barve, and Ameya Wagh. Blending live singing, narration, and visuals, the production made Marathi musical theatre accessible and engaging for younger audiences while preserving its classical richness.
Day 2: Rhythm, folk stories, and shared energy
Day two celebrated rhythm and folk traditions. Taal Vadya Kacheri, led by Padmashri Pt. Vijay Ghate and Grammy Award-winning percussionist V. Selvaganesh demonstrated the expressive power of rhythm through structured compositions and spontaneous improvisation.
The Folk Akhayan was one of the most energetic segments of the festival. Through storytelling, music, and performance, it showcased Maharashtrian folk traditions with vibrancy and authenticity. The audience responded with infectious enthusiasm, clapping, swaying, and dancing along, creating a joyful and immersive atmosphere.
Day 3: A memorable conclusion through classical focus
The final evening was devoted to Hindustani classical music. Armaan Khan, son of Ustad Rashid Khan, opened the concert with a refined and structured vocal recital, exploring Raga Puriya Dhanashree, a tarana in drut ektal, and passages in Raga Des. His performance reflected rigorous training and a rich musical lineage.
Santoor maestro Rahul Sharma followed with a serene, emotionally resonant recital. Along with Raga Charukeshi, he presented beautiful Pahadi compositions, adding a melodic and evocative dimension to the evening. The audience listened in complete silence, absorbed in the tonal purity and expressive depth of his playing.
The festival concluded with Rahul Deshpande’s expansive and powerful recital. Rahul brought a rare blend of classical discipline and expressive storytelling to the stage. His singing style, marked by clarity of swaras, thoughtful vilambit development, and effortless command over laya, held the audience in rapt attention from the very first note. His recital unfolded with intensity and depth, drawing listeners into a deeply reflective space through a soulful Nirgun bhajan that resonated with devotion and inward contemplation.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere transformed into a collective celebration, with a powerful, electrifying Vithal ekgajar, uniting the audience in a shared rhythm and spiritual energy. Bringing the three-day journey to a majestic close, he concluded the festival with Vasantrao Deshpande’s iconic Bhairavi — a moment that felt both like a tribute and a culmination, encapsulating the essence of tradition, emotion, and musical excellence that defined Vasantotsav 2026.
Reflections
Vasantotsav 2026 delivered an exceptional experience through its individual special moments, which showcased the event as a whole. The programming progressed through different musical styles, allowing audiences to experience various genres without breaks. The festival has developed a permanent character through the special moments that have created shared listening experiences and a community dedicated to paying attention and reflecting on what they have experienced over its nineteen-year existence.
Vasantotsav 2026 was made possible through the generous support of our valued partners and sponsors — Punit Balan Group as our Presenting Partner, Badhekar Group as the Powered By Partner, and Adani Group as the Co-Powered By Partner. We were proud to be associated with Bharati Vidyapeeth, with KRA Jewellers as our Jewellery Partner and Rucha Group as our Patron. Our co-sponsors included Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-op Society Ltd, Yugam Realty, 3 Pine, and Shree Venkatesh Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. (By Ankush Asabe). We were also delighted to have Crazy Cheesey as our Food Partner.
A special mention to our Venue Partner, Suryakant Kakade, whose support and collaboration were instrumental in the successful hosting of Vasantotsav 2026.
Our professional and service partners included Khaitan & Co., Girikand Travels, Mascot Flowtech, Mehfil Caterers, Pure Elements, Candent Technologies Pvt. Ltd., DAWN Studios, and LIC, whose contributions were vital to the seamless execution of the festival.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all our patrons, partners, collaborators, volunteers, vendors, technical teams, on-ground staff, and above all, our audience — whose presence, enthusiasm, and unwavering support made Vasantotsav 2026 a grand success. Their collective energy and encouragement continue to inspire this musical journey year after year.
The 19th edition of Vasantotsav demonstrated its core principles, inviting listeners to engage with music through careful observation and communal musical experiences that preserve their traditional roots while developing into living musical traditions.