Mahindra Percussion Festival celebrates Ustad Zakir Hussain with impressive lineup
The Mahindra Group continues to make waves in the realm of preserving India’s rich musical heritage with its renowned Mahindra Percussion Festival. After the tremendous success of the festival’s initial two editions, the stage is set for the third edition to take place as a tribute to the illustrious Ustad Zakir Hussain on March 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the Prestige Centre of Performing Arts in Bengaluru. Ustad Zakir Hussain is acknowledged for his remarkable ability to transcend cultural and traditional boundaries with his musical genius, elevating Indian classical music to a global platform. The third edition of the festival will celebrate his unique perspective on music as a universal language that defies limitations.
In its previous installments, the Mahindra Percussion Festival has witnessed the coming together of celebrated artists from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to a harmonious fusion of sounds and rhythms. The upcoming edition promises to blend traditional and modern percussive elements with the participation of esteemed ensembles and solo performers.
The first day of the festival will feature the globally acclaimed percussionist Trilok Gurtu, renowned for his innovative collaborations that push the boundaries of traditional music in a disciplined yet liberated manner. Collaborating with legends such as L. Shankar, John McLaughlin, and Ustad Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu will bring a rich array of global rhythms to captivate the audience. Additionally, Aruna Sairam’s Thrillana Project, a collective of talented artists rooted in the Carnatic tradition, will present a mythological narrative through the art of sonic storytelling. Ravi Chary, son of tabla maestro Pt. Prabhakar Chary and a protégé of Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, will present his solo project ‘Crossing,’ which was personally launched by Ustad Zakir Hussain.
The second day of the festival will feature an innovative musical production titled BeatRoute by composer Ranjit Barot and theatre director Roysten Abel. This production promises to blend folk rhythms with contemporary electronic music, portraying a seamless fusion of past and present traditions. The musical duo SNAX will provide an energizing performance by combining rock, metal, and jazz with the traditional mridangam, offering a melodic journey through ancient and modern musical landscapes.
Through the Mahindra Percussion Festival, the group aims to celebrate the art of percussion and shed light on various percussive instruments and styles, both familiar and lesser-known. By showcasing a diverse range of artists and fostering collaborations between different genres and generations, the festival creates a harmonious dialogue that resonates with the philosophy of Ustad Zakir Hussain. The festival serves as a tribute to his vision of uniting music across cultures and geographical boundaries, offering a unique and immersive experience for music enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.