About Us
Celebrating 70+ years of Indian classical music heritage
Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav
The Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, an annual five-day celebration held in Pune, Maharashtra, stands as one of India's most prestigious and eagerly awaited classical music festivals. For over seventy years, this event has honored the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music.
Established in 1953, the festival serves to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary vocalist Sawai Gandharva and to pay tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. It offers an unparalleled platform for musical excellence, bringing together the finest classical musicians, including both established maestros and promising emerging talents.
Drawing thousands of connoisseurs and lovers of Indian classical music from around the globe, the festival has become a true pilgrimage for enthusiasts. Each year, the performances encompass a variety of classical forms, such as vocal, instrumental, and dance, thereby actively preserving and promoting India's timeless musical traditions.
Pt. Sawai Gandharva (1886–1952)
Pandit Ramchandra Ganesh Kundgolkar, known as Sawai Gandharva, was a leading vocalist of the Kirana Gharana. Born in Kundgol (Dharwad, Karnataka), he trained rigorously under Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and perfected his voice to suit the delicate Kirana style.
For nearly 24 years, he performed on the Marathi musical stage, portraying roles such as Subhadra, Tara, and Sant Sakhu, earning immense popularity. Impressed by his extraordinary talent, Dadasaheb Khaparde honored him with the title “Sawai Gandharva.”
His singing was imaginative, expressive, and rich in variety. The systematic raga development, diverse taans, and the vibrant energy in his tarana performances gave his music a unique identity.
After a severe paralytic stroke in 1942, he lost his voice permanently, and he passed away in 1952—yet his legacy of discipline and devotion continues to inspire Indian classical music.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (1922-2011), a prominent luminary in the realm of Hindustani classical music, was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2008.
A distinguished exponent of the Kirana gharana, he was trained under the legendary Sawai Gandharva. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was celebrated for his immense vocal power, remarkable breath control, and an exceptional ability to infuse his performances with deep emotion. His renditions of ragas, particularly Puriya Dhanashri, Multani, and Bhimpalasi, are widely regarded as definitive.
Beyond his mastery of classical forms, he played a crucial role in popularizing devotional music (bhajans), thus making classical music accessible to a broader audience. His unparalleled contribution has left an indelible mark on Indian music and culture, inspiring generations of musicians and listeners globally.
Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal
Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, established in 1951 in Pune, stands as one of India's foremost institutions devoted to the promotion, preservation, and celebration of classical music and the performing arts.
The Mandal was founded with the noble vision of bringing classical music closer to the common people while fostering and guiding young talent. Over the past seven decades, it has significantly enriched India's cultural fabric through its concerts, workshops, and educational initiatives.
Since 1953, the organization has proudly hosted the iconic Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, its crowning achievement. This annual festival has become a symbol of musical excellence, offering a distinguished platform for both legendary maestros and promising new artists.
Through its unwavering commitment, Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal continues to uphold and propagate the timeless traditions of Indian classical music, ensuring that this invaluable heritage is preserved with dignity and passed on to future generations.
Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal (1952)
Standing:
D. M. Deshpande, M. Kamat, Vasantrao Deshpande, D. P. Atre
Dr. Nanasaheb Deshpande, Salgaonkar, Appa Jalgaonkar, V. K. Atre
Seated:
R. N. Limaye, Vamanrao Deshpande, Rambhau Kundgolkar (Sawai Gandharva), Vaidya Pandurang Shastri Deshpande, V. R. Amonkar