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About Us
Music is something that transcends space and time. It is something that takes us out from our day-to-day lives and brings us back to find ourselves. To bring this emotion to you, we are carrying on the legacy of Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande with a cultural festival, dedicated to celebrating classical music and performing arts- the VASANTOTSAV. The first ever Vasantotsav was held at Ramanbaug in Pune in the year 2007. Over these last 18 years, we are proud to have brought together almost 150 artists from classical to contemporary, spanning a wide age group as well.
What started as a classical music festival, has over the years evolved to becoming a Cultural Experience to balance heritage with contemporary relevance. Multiple curated programs like Abhangawari and Natyasangitachi Vaatchal are designed to showcase our roots as a society, bring them to the younger generations and also take them across borders to spread the beauty of our music and culture.
The first ever Vasantotsav was held at Ramanbaug in Pune in the year 2007. Over Vasantotsav is one of India 2019s most respected cultural festivals, dedicated to celebrating Indian classical music and the performing arts. Founded in memory of the legendary
Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande ji, the festival is now led by his grandson, Shri Rahul Deshpande, who carries this artistic legacy forward with passion and excellence.
Over the last two decades, Vasantotsav has grown into a landmark cultural event in Pune, admired for its ability to balance heritage with contemporary relevance. It has become a platform that inspires, educates, and entertains diverse audiences while preserving India 2019s cultural roots.
these last 18 years, we are proud to have brought together almost 150 artists from classical to contemporary, spanning a wide age group as well.
What started as a classical music festival, has over the years evolved to becoming a Cultural Experience to balance heritage with contemporary relevance. Multiple curated programs like Abhangawari and Natyasangitachi Vaatchal are designed to showcase our roots as a society, bring them to the younger generations and also take them across borders to spread the beauty of our music and culture.
VISION
To establish Vasantotsav as a globally celebrated platform that champions Indian classical and folk music, nurtures emerging talent, and fosters cultural pride across generations. We envision expanding to 75+ cities worldwide, deepening youth engagement, integrating innovative formats, and creating immersive musical experiences that keep our rich heritage alive, relevant, and thriving.
Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan
The Kumar Gandharva program was first held in MES College on 30th July, 1984, on the first Anniversary after Vasantrao Deshpande. Originally meant as a remembrance program, soon became a full-fledged festival on seeing the love and interest of the community. This was started under the name Vasantrao Deshpande Sangeet Samahroha. It was a 2 day festival which had 2 artists performing everyday. A lot of established singers and artists performed in that festival right from its inception.
Rahul at that time was only 4 years old. As he grew older , he too followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and turned to singing and classical music. When he was 28 years old, Rahul took the helm of the festival started by his father, and took it to a bigger stage under the name, Vasantotsav which was inaugurated in Ramanbaug, Pune in 2007.
The Vasantrao Deshpande Pratishthan in 1984. An intention to educate and spread awareness about Indian classical music, help the musicians in their times of need, provide scholarships to young musicians who want to pursue music professionally, were some of the core objectives of the Pratishthan.
Support from patrons and love of the public helped build substantial funds through donations under the Trust which helped take the initiative forward successfully.
Team Members
Weaving creativity, strategy and execution into the fabric of Vasantotsav, we have the back end team of Vasantotsav comprising of four wonderful people. Together they transform ideas into moments that celebrate culture, community and artistry.
Ankita Shedge
Komal Khode
Apurva Khare
