Sawai Gandharva
Bhimsen Mahotsav 2025Sawai Gandharva
Bhimsen Mahotsav 2025

The Beginning

Founded by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi in Pune to honor his guru, Pandit Sawai Gandharva. Fifteen days after Sawai Gandharva's passing, his portrait was unveiled at Bhave High School. The first memorial at Lakshmi Krida Mandir in 1953 began as an intimate gathering of disciples and maestros.

Establishing Tradition

Quickly evolved into an annual celebration of Hindustani classical music at venues like Lakshmi Krida Mandir, Motibag, and Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya. Legends such as Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan graced the stage, turning Pune into a classical hub.

Expanding Legacy

Shifted to Renukaswaroop High School and became one of India's most prestigious festivals. Milestones included Ustad Zakir Hussain's debut tabla solo in 1962 and all-night concerts featuring Pt. Kumar Gandharva, Pt. Jasraj, and Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur.

Cultural Identity of Pune

Audience numbers swelled into the thousands, making the Mahotsav synonymous with Pune's cultural identity. Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Kumar Gandharva, Pt. Jasraj, and Dr. Prabha Atre headlined, while the guru-shishya tradition remained central.

Modern Era Begins

Younger maestros joined stalwarts as the venue moved to New English School, Ramanbag. Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, and Pt. Ravi Shankar thrilled audiences while Pt. Bhimsen Joshi curated and performed.

Farewell Performance

Pt. Bhimsen Joshi delivered his final live recital here, marking the end of an era yet inspiring disciples to take the tradition forward with renewed commitment.

Legacy of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi

To celebrate his legacy, the festival was renamed 'Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav'. Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, led by Shrinivas Joshi, ensured the tradition expanded with the same devotion.

Continuing the Legacy

Digital outreach, global live streams, and greater participation of women artists defined this era. Experiments with fusion stayed rooted in Hindustani tradition while the festival remained a December fixture in Pune.

Pandemic Pause

The Mahotsav paused for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to virtual tributes and online sessions to keep the community connected.

Revival and New Era

COVID-safe editions gradually returned to full-scale concerts. Veteran maestros now share the stage with rising talents, keeping the Mahotsav India's most loved classical festival.