A unique musical tribute celebrating the life, legacy, and Guru-shishya parampara of noted Hindustani classical violinist Pandit Milind Raikar will be presented in Mumbai on 27 May 2026 through Guruvandana, an evening organised by the Raikar Music Foundation and Raikar Academy of Violin.
The event, to be held at Ravindra Natya Mandir, marks the 61st year of Pt. Milind Raikar’s musical journey and coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Raikar Academy of Violin. The programme will begin at 6 pm and entry will be free for music lovers.
Born in Goa and later trained in Mumbai under the legendary Pandit D. K. Datar, Pt. Raikar eventually became a devoted disciple of Ganasaraswati Kishori Amonkar. He accompanied the iconic vocalist on violin for nearly two decades and imbibed the aesthetics and emotional depth of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana through close association with her musical world.
Reflecting on his musical journey and the influence of his Gurus, Pt. Raikar said that every aspect of his music belonged to the guidance, discipline, and blessings he received from his teachers and family. He described Guruvandana as an expression of gratitude towards all those who shaped him as a musician and Guru.
The evening will open with a violin recital by young violinist Yadnesh Raikar, accompanied by renowned tabla maestro Satyajit Talwalkar. This will be followed by a felicitation ceremony honouring Pt. Milind Raikar in the presence of distinguished musicians Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and Ashwini Bhide Deshpande.
The highlight of the evening will be Colors of Violin, a specially conceived grand symphony directed by Pt. Raikar. Bringing together 42 violins along with violas, cellos, bass guitar, drums, djembe, percussion, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar, the production aims to create a confluence of Hindustani classical sensibilities and orchestral textures. The ensemble will feature musicians from both Indian and Western classical traditions.
According to the organisers, the presentation is also intended to provide a performance platform for students of the Raikar Academy of Violin, enabling young musicians to share the stage with accomplished artistes and gain confidence through collaborative performance experiences.
Over the past two decades, the Raikar Academy of Violin has emerged as a respected institution for Hindustani classical violin training in Mumbai, carrying forward the values of discipline, devotion, and rigorous riyaaz inherited by Pt. Raikar from his Gurus.
The programme will also include the presentation of the Padma Shri Pt. D. K. Datar Puraskar Award.
