150th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan Begins in Jalandhar

Punjab is set to host the 150th edition of the Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, the country’s oldest Hindustani classical music festival, beginning tomorrow evening at the historic Shree Devi Talab Temple in Jalandhar. The three-day festival marks a major milestone in India’s classical music heritage and continues a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

Historic Festival and Organising Institutions

The festival is being organised in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre under the Union Ministry of Culture, with support from the Punjab government. Held annually at the Shree Devi Talab Temple, the Harivallabh Sammelan has long served as a premier platform for leading exponents of Hindustani classical music and has played a key role in preserving and promoting classical traditions.

Dedication to Spiritual and Musical Icons

This landmark 150th edition is dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, whose legacy symbolises sacrifice, spiritual courage and human values. The festival also honours the memory of renowned Banaras Gharana vocalist Pt Chhannu Lal Mishra, who passed away in October this year and was celebrated for his profound contribution to Indian classical music.

Stellar Line-Up of Classical Maestros

A distinguished line-up of eminent artists will perform during the festival from December 26 to 28. These include folk and classical vocalist Malini Awasthi, vocalists Pt Sajan Mishra and Swaransh Mishra, flautist Pt Ronu Majumdar, carnatic flautist Shashank Subramanyam, vocalists Ashwini Bhide and Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar, guitarist Pt Shubhendra Rao with cellist Saskia Rao-de-Haas, and Dagar Gharana exponent Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan is the oldest Hindustani classical music festival in India.
• The festival is held annually at Shree Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar.
• North Zone Cultural Centre functions under the Union Ministry of Culture.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the ninth Sikh Guru.

Celebration of India’s Musical Continuity

With percussionists such as Pt Vijay Ghate, V Selvaganesh and other leading accompanists also participating, the 150th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan reaffirms India’s living classical music tradition. The festival continues to bridge generations of musicians and audiences, reinforcing the enduring cultural significance of Hindustani classical music.