India’s most loved music festival is back with full energy after the tough years of the pandemic. The 67th Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan will fill the air with soulful notes across 24 cities between November 2 and 29, 2025. This nationwide event celebrates the deep roots of Hindustani, Carnatic, and light and folk music traditions that have shaped our cultural identity for generations.
A Tradition That Started in 1954
Ever since its first edition in 1954, this festival has been a cornerstone for music lovers and performers alike. It gives a grand stage to both seasoned maestros and fresh talents, helping keep alive the diverse sounds of our country. Every year, people look forward to these gatherings that blend serious classical renditions with joyful folk melodies. The event has grown into a symbol of unity, bringing together artists from every corner of India under one musical umbrella.
This year’s lineup promises the same magic but with added excitement. Each location will host two separate shows: one focused on pure classical music, either vocal or instrumental, and another dedicated to lighter tunes and regional folk styles. In a special touch, Panaji and Shillong will showcase Western classical pieces, highlighting the broad spectrum of musical influences in our nation.
Opening Nights and City-Wise Schedule
The festival kicks off on November 2 with exclusive performances in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai in front of invited guests. Delhi will feature the enchanting flute play by Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia paired with folk artist Shri Nandesh Umap. In Mumbai, listeners can enjoy Pt. Venkatesh Kumar’s powerful vocals alongside Shri Hamid Aminbhai Sayyad and his group’s Bharud presentation. Chennai opens with Pushpavanam Shri Kuppuswamy’s folk energy and Udayalur Shri K. Kalyanaraman’s devotional songs.
The momentum continues on November 8 in Udaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Cuttack. Udaipur welcomes Mohd. Amaan Khan on vocals and Dr. Vijayendra Gautam for light music. Thiruvananthapuram offers the rhythmic Panchavadhyam by Kudamaloor Muraleedhara Marar, Carnatic vocals by Vidushi Dr. N. J. Nandini, and light performances by Ajith G. Krishnan and S. R. Sreekutty. Cuttack presents Pradipta Sekhar Mohapatra on flute with light vocal duo Dr. Nazia Sayeed and Santoshi Prasad Mishra.
Mid-Month Highlights Across India
On November 9, Pune and Panaji join the celebration. Pune features Vidushi Jyoti Hegde on the rare Rudra Veena and Vijaykumar Gaikwad’s group for folk vibes. Panaji stands out with Western classical by Debsankar Roy and Jyoti Sankar Roy, plus light music from Prachi Jathar and Smt. Shakuntala Bharne.
The weekend of November 15 and 16 becomes a feast in multiple cities. Kolkata hosts Pt. Ashim Chaudhary on sitar, Sabina Mumtaz Islam in Khayal style, light music by Agnibha Bandopadhyay and Sriradha Bandopadhyay, and folk by Soma Das Mondal and Kartik Das. Tiruchirappalli brings Smt. Vishakha Hari’s Carnatic vocals and Shri N. Shivaji Rao’s Karagattam group. Bhopal offers Pt. Santosh Nahar on violin and Dr. Deepali Wattal’s Ghazals. Varanasi has Shri Shubhankar Dey’s Khayal and Shri Manna Lal Yadav’s folk group. Lucknow presents P. Dharmnath Mishra in Thumri and Dadra, with Dr. Menka Mishra on light music. Vijayawada features Vidushi Kolluru Vandana’s Carnatic vocals and Modumudi Sudhakar’s light tunes.
Closing Weeks Filled with Melody
November 21 marks Jaipur’s turn with Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt’s unique guitar style and Pt. Seeta Ram Singh’s light music. On November 22, Bengaluru enjoys the Bangalore Brothers’ Carnatic duet and Laxmi Nagraj’s light performance. Guwahati follows on November 23 with Sri Manoj Baruah on violin and Smt. Jaba Chakraborty Das in folk.
The same day, Mysore delights with Dr. Sahana SV on Veena and Sri H. L. Shivashankaraswamy’s Mridanga Taranga. Ahmedabad rounds up the day with a group show: Pt. Mahendra Toke vocals, Pt. Nakul Mishra on tabla, Rafique Khan on violin, and light music by Kalyani Kauthalkar and Hasmukh Patadiya.
November 27 brings Shillong’s vibrant scene with bands Na Rympei, Colors, and artists Ms. Gwyneth Mawlong, Khorsha Kordor Marbaniang, Silbi Passah and party, plus Louvre V. Marak and party in folk. Patna features Smit Tewari on sarod and Manoranjan Ojha’s folk.
The grand finale on November 29 spans Dharwad, Hyderabad, and Jalandhar. Dharwad showcases Pt. Bhimanna Jadhav on Sundari, light music by Venkatesh Alkod and Aradhana Hegde, and Mahantesh Hugar in folk. Hyderabad presents Vidwan Sri D.V. Mohana Krishna’s Carnatic vocals with Smt. Aruna Subbarao and Sri Patri Kumara Swamy in folk. Jalandhar closes with Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant’s Shabad Kirtan and Ms. Glory Bawa’s Lok Geet.
Free Entry for Everyone
All these concerts are completely free to attend. Anyone interested can pick up invitation cards from the local Akashvani station on a first-come, first-served basis. This open-door policy ensures that music reaches every enthusiast, regardless of background.
Catch the Broadcasts Later
If you miss the live events, do not worry. Starting December 26, 2025, and running until January 23, 2026, the recordings will air every night from 10 PM to 11 PM on the All India Radio network. You can also tune in through the Raagam Channel on DTH, DD Bharati, Raagam YouTube Channel, WAVES OTT Platform, and the NewsOnAIR App. This wide reach means the festival’s joy extends far beyond the venue cities.
The Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan remains a vital link to our musical past while nurturing new expressions. With over six decades of history, it continues to inspire and unite through the universal language of melody. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in this cultural treasure.
Whether you attend in person or listen from home, the 2025 edition promises unforgettable moments. From the intricate ragas of classical masters to the earthy rhythms of folk troupes, every performance adds to India’s living soundtrack.