Pancham Nishad Creatives will present the 21st edition of its acclaimed annual production ‘Bolava Vitthal’ on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 6.30 p.m. at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud, Pune. The concert will feature celebrated vocalists Mugdha Vaishampayan, Prathamesh Laghate and Sangeeta Katti Kulkarni, who will present a specially curated repertoire of Abhangs by Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Sant Namdev, Sant Janabai, Sant Chokhamela and several other saint-poets. The artistes will be accompanied by Prasad Padhye (Tabla), Aditya Oke (Harmonium), Sukhad Munde (Pakhawaj), Sunil Awachat (Flute) and Suryakant Surve (Additional Rhythms).
As Maharashtra prepares to celebrate Ashadhi Ekadashi with hundreds of Abhang concerts across the state, an important conversation is gathering momentum within the classical music fraternity: how much of the traditional Abhangwani survives in today’s concert presentations? While shorter formats, fusion arrangements and entertainment-driven programming have become increasingly common, Pancham Nishad Creatives’ ‘Bolava Vitthal’ has, for over two decades, remained committed to presenting Abhangwani in a dedicated concert format rooted in the Warkari tradition. Every edition of the production opens with a traditional Gajar, the ceremonial invocation that has preceded each of its performances since inception, keeping the evening anchored in the same ritual grammar as the Warkari tradition it draws from. The Pune concert also arrives in a milestone year for the presenting organisation, with Pancham Nishad Creatives completing 30 years in 2026, and ‘Bolava Vitthal’ remaining among its longest-running and most consistent productions.
“Twenty-one years ago, our concern was that Abhangs were gradually becoming just another segment in a concert, whereas for the Warkari tradition they represent a complete spiritual journey.’Bolava Vitthal’ was our attempt to restore that journey by giving the saint-poets an entire evening of their own. Today, I am delighted that Abhang concerts are being organised across the country because it reflects the growing appreciation for this extraordinary musical heritage. At the same time, greater popularity also brings greater responsibility. Every generation will present devotional music in its own way, but our endeavour has always been to ensure that the literary richness, devotional spirit and musical discipline of Abhangwani remain at the heart of every presentation. If ‘Bolava Vitthal’ has contributed, even in a small way, to keeping this tradition vibrant over the past twenty-one years, we consider our mission worthwhile,” says Shashi Vyas, Founder, Pancham Nishad Creatives Pvt. Ltd.
Veteran vocalist Sangeeta Katti Kulkarni believes the changing landscape of live performances has brought new challenges for both Indian classical music and Abhangwani.
“The landscape of live concerts is changing rapidly, and even the sacred art of Indian classical music is facing serious challenges today. Ragas are often shortened, multiple bandishes are compressed into a single presentation, and the emphasis on speed, calculated taans and ornamentation sometimes overshadows the essence of alaap and badhat, leaving even seasoned organisers concerned about the future of this tradition. Abhangwani, too, is witnessing changes where the spiritual essence of the Abhangs is often diluted through presentations that do not always reflect the ethos of the Warkari tradition. In these changing times, Pancham Nishad’s ‘Bolava Vitthal’ stands apart for preserving the sanctity, authenticity and musical richness of Abhangwani. Every artist associated with this production strives to present the very best while remaining true to the devotional spirit of the saint-poets. I am honoured to be a part of it once again this year. Pancham Nishad continues to set the benchmark for presenting Abhangwani with authenticity, integrity and musical excellence.”
For Mugdha Vaishampayan, every presentation of Abhangwani offers an opportunity to reconnect with
Maharashtra’s enduring spiritual heritage. “Every presentation of Abhangwani is a deeply humbling experience because it allows us to connect with the timeless wisdom of our saint-poets through music. Pune has always been one of the foremost cultural capitals of Maharashtra, with audiences that listen with remarkable sensitivity and deep appreciation for both classical music and the Abhang tradition. They embrace not just the melody but also the devotion and philosophy behind every composition. I am delighted to be a part of ‘Bolava Vitthal’ and this beautiful musical journey.”
Prathamesh Laghate says the experience of singing Abhangs extends far beyond performance. “Singing Abhangs is much more than a musical performance—it is a spiritual experience that allows us to relive the teachings and emotions of saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Namdev. Performing these compositions before an audience that truly appreciates their literary, musical and devotional richness is a blessing. I feel privileged to be part of ‘Bolava Vitthal’ and Pancham Nishad’s sincere effort to preserve this cherished tradition.”
The Pune concert is part of Bolava Vitthal’s 2026 seven-city tour, which has travelled through Ahmedabad, Goa, Bengaluru, Jabalpur, Indore and Mumbai before arriving in Pune and concluding in Mangalore. Since its inception in 2005, the production has evolved into one of India’s longest-running curated presentations devoted exclusively to the Abhangs of Maharashtra’s saint-poets, celebrating their literary, musical and spiritual legacy before audiences across the country.
- Bolava Vitthal – An Evening of Abhangs Presented by: Pancham Nishad Creatives
- Date: Friday, July 31, 2026 |Time: 6.30 p.m.
- Venue: Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud, Pune
- Tickets: Available on www.bookmyshow.com
Feature Image: Google
