Gigs
Mahindra Percussion Festival 2026 Unites India’s Rhythmic Traditions in Bengaluru
India’s deep-rooted relationship with rhythm takes centre stage once again as the Mahindra Percussion Festival 2026 returns to Bengaluru for its fourth edition. Scheduled for March 7 and 8, 2026, the two-day festival will be held at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, bringing together legendary maestros, contemporary ensembles, and emerging voices from across the country.
In a nation where percussion forms the backbone of musical expression—from temple rituals to folk traditions and classical stages—the Mahindra Percussion Festival has evolved into more than just a music event. Over the years, it has grown into a cultural movement dedicated to preserving India’s rhythmic heritage while reimagining it for modern audiences.
Bridging the Past and the Present Through Rhythm
The Mahindra Percussion Festival has consistently focused on honouring percussion as a living art form—one that carries centuries of tradition while remaining open to innovation. In 2025, the festival paid tribute to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, acknowledging his role in taking Indian classical percussion to the global stage. That moment reaffirmed the festival’s larger mission: to unite India’s diverse percussive languages under one inclusive platform.
Highlights from the Mahindra Percussion Festival 2026 Line-Up
A defining highlight of the 2026 Mahindra Percussion Festival edition is “Nada Pravaham – Circle of Sound,” a rare collaboration featuring legendary mridangam maestro Padma Vibhushan Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, alongside tabla virtuoso Ishaan Ghosh and percussionist Shravan Samsi. The performance brings together mridangam, tabla, and drums, creating a dialogue between classical mastery and youthful energy.
Another standout presentation is “YĀTRĀ” by National Award-winning vocalist Mahesh Kale. Conceived as a spiritual journey rooted in Maharashtra’s bhakti tradition, YĀTRĀ places rhythm at its core, with Kale’s vocals guiding audiences through a meditative exploration of sound and devotion.
Amplifying Voices Across Gender and Communities
The Mahindra Percussion Festival also makes space for powerful contemporary narratives. “Women Who Drum” features an all-women collective including Swarupa Ananth, Charu Hariharan, Nush Lewis, Hamta Baghi, and Shalini Mohan, blending tabla, mridangam, and world percussion into a dynamic collaborative soundscape.
Equally compelling is “The Parai Awakens – Unreserved Live” by Praveen Sparsh and a collective of Parai artists. This performance reclaims one of India’s oldest percussion instruments, transforming it into a modern, inclusive expression that amplifies marginalised voices and ancient traditions alike.
A Powerful Finale with Bickram Ghosh
The festival culminates with “Drums of the East” by Grammy-nominated tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh. Featuring instruments like tabla, dhaak, dhol, sreekhol, electronic percussion, and electric sitar, the performance bridges Hindustani classical roots with global sonic textures, delivering a high-energy, immersive experience.
With its 2026 edition, the Mahindra Percussion Festival continues to celebrate India’s rhythmic diversity while shaping the future of its musical legacy.
Tickets are now available on BookMyShow.
