20 Years of Pratahswar: Dawn Ragas Continue with 136th Concert in Mumbai

Pratahswar Marks Two Decades of Service to Indian Classical Music

Pancham Nishad proudly announces a landmark moment as Pratahswar, Mumbai’s much-loved early morning classical music series, completes 20 years of uninterrupted dedication to Indian classical arts. Celebrating this milestone, the 136th Pratahswar Morning Concert will take place on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at 6:30 am, at Kalangan, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Entry to the concert is free, underscoring Pratahswar’s vision of making classical music accessible to all.

A Unique Musical Tradition Since 2006
Founded in 2006, Pratahswar has carved a special place in Mumbai’s cultural calendar with its serene dawn concerts and its guiding philosophy, “Every Concert… A New Artiste.” Over the last two decades, the platform has nurtured emerging talent while celebrating the depth and diversity of Indian classical music.

Pandit Gaurav Mazumdar to Headline the 136th Pratahswar Concert
The milestone concert will feature a soulful sitar recital by Pandit Gaurav Mazumdar, one of the foremost sitar virtuosos of the present generation and a senior disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar. He will be accompanied on tabla by Yashwant Vaishnav.

A Maestro with Global Recognition
A Grammy-nominated musician, Pandit Gaurav Mazumdar enjoys international acclaim as a leading figure in Indian and world music. Born into a distinguished musical family from Allahabad, his early training was shaped by his uncle J. D. Mazumdar, cousins Kamala Bose and Jayashree Roy, his father Dulal Mazumdar, and Guru Pandit Nandkishore Vishwakarma.

Guru–Shishya Parampara under Pandit Ravi Shankar
In 1985, Pandit Mazumdar was initiated into sitar by Pandit Ravi Shankar and trained intensively under the Guru–Shishya Parampara, living with his Guru for seven years in Delhi. His musical journey began with vocal music, followed by violin, before he dedicated himself fully to the sitar. For over three decades, he has performed extensively across India and at prestigious international festivals and venues.

Rooted in Tradition, Open to Innovation
His music is deeply anchored in the Dhrupad–Beenkaar tradition, while seamlessly blending elements of Khayaal and Thumri, reflecting the Senia Gharana lineage of Ustad Baba Allauddin Khan of Maihar. Beyond solo recitals, Pandit Mazumdar has collaborated with eminent musicians from across the globe and composed for symphony orchestras, films, ballets, and other art forms.

Original Raags and Historic Global Collaborations
Among his notable creative contributions are original raags, including Raag Akanksha, presented at the Vatican to mark the new Millennium in a gesture dedicated to World Peace. A significant international milestone includes his collaboration with Philip Glass on Orion, which premiered at the Acropolis in Athens during the 2004 Olympics. The recording was later released by Orange Mountain Music Company.

A Meditative Musical Experience at Dawn
With numerous acclaimed albums released by leading labels in India and abroad, Pandit Gaurav Mazumdar continues to perform, teach, and compose, reaffirming his stature as one of the most influential musicians of his generation. The 136th Pratahswar concert promises a deeply immersive and meditative experience, celebrating discipline, tradition, and the timeless beauty of Indian classical music.