The cultural heartbeat of Kolkata is set to quicken as the city prepares for the fifth edition of ‘Naad‘, an innovative fusion classical music festival. Curated by percussion maestro Bickram Ghosh, this three-day musical odyssey will be held at the GD Birla Sabhaghar from March 20 to 22, with performances beginning at 6:00 PM daily.

Jointly organized by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and the Pandit Shankar Ghosh Tabla Foundation, ‘Naad’ has quickly carved a niche for itself. In just five years, it has become a landmark event where the sanctity of Indian classical music meets the experimental energy of modern fusion.

A Stellar Lineup of Traditions and Trends

This year’s festival promises a “galaxy of stars,” blending veteran maestros with “young Turks” of the music world.

• Day 1 (March 20): The festival opens with thematic segments titled ‘Fading Traditions and Emerging Sounds’ and ‘Raga to Celluloid’. Hosted by Bickram Ghosh, this session explores the evolution of sound—from endangered instruments like the Shehnai and Sarangi to modern digital frontiers.
• Day 2 (March 21): The evening features a soulful Sitar recital by Pandit Kushal Das. It will be followed by ‘Dances of India’, a grand showcase featuring renowned dancers like Priti Patel and Jaya Seal Ghosh, covering a spectrum from Manipuri and Bharatnatyam to Kathakali and Chhau.
• Day 3 (March 22): The finale features a powerful collaboration between Santoor legend Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya and Bickram Ghosh on the Tabla. The event concludes with ‘Classi-Folk Collab’, a vibrant mix of Veena, vocals, flute, and Dhol.

A Vision for the Future

For G.V. Subramanian of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Bickram Ghosh, Naad is more than just a concert series; it is a movement to keep classical heritage relevant for younger generations. By integrating the cinematic use of Ragas and electronic instruments, the festival ensures that the Naad continues to resonate in a modern world.

Priyanka Dutta