Malhar and the Sea, a classical music festival themed One India, Many Voices, will bring together veterans and acclaimed performers at the Taj Exotica Resort, Goa, from 24 to 26 July.
Now in its third edition, the monsoon festival will focus primarily on ragas associated with the rainy season and the romance traditionally linked with them. The line-up features Ustad Shujaat Khan, Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota, the Raga Sisters Ranjani and Gayatri, and several other reputed performers.
The festival will also present the musical theatre production Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon by Danish Husain; Khayal and Thumri by Ronkini Gupta; Ghazals by Priyanka Barve; the Tasawwur ensemble led by Shivam Bhardwaj; Fado Unplugged by Nadia Rebello; and a tribute to The Beatles by Wanted Yesterday.
A photography exhibition titled Rain Dogs by Rohit Chawla will also be showcased during the festival. Organised by Showhouse, the event will support the Alpha Angels Animals Trust.
The festival’s 2024 edition featured distinguished names such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Paresh Maity, Kaushiki Chakraborty and Rakesh Chaurasia. The 2025 edition continued the legacy with performers including Taufiq Qureshi, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Samandar Khan, Madhubanti Bagchi and Malini Awasthi.
Omer Haider, Director of Showhouse, said, “The response last year was phenomenal, and therefore we decided to organise the festival once again with performers who have been eagerly looking forward to participating in this celebration of the monsoon. While the festival features several established names, we also include young and brilliant artists to bring a youthful flavour to the programme.
The monsoon is usually considered a relatively quiet period for the performing arts. However, this is a festival with a difference. Its residential format allows rasikas to relax and immerse themselves in melodious and soulful music.”
With music, theatre, photography and the spirit of the monsoon coming together in Goa, Malhar and the Sea promises an engaging experience for music lovers.
