Ustad Shujaat Khan
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Banyan Tree’s classical music festival, Teen Prahar, is set to return to Bengaluru for its 18th edition on February 27 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. Celebrated for its distinctive approach to raga presentation, the festival guides listeners through three distinct time zones of the day, which is reflected in its name — Teen Prahar (where ‘prahar’ refers to a subdivision of the day in Sanskrit, and ‘teen’ means three).
Since its inception in 2006, Teen Prahar has carved a niche for itself by bringing together musicians at different stages of their careers — budding talents, rising stars, and legendary masters — on the same stage. It is a format that not only nurtures young artists but also gives audiences the chance to experience classical music “in its purest and most dynamic form,” according to the organisers. Over the years, it has grown into one of India’s most anticipated classical music festivals, with editions in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
In the upcoming edition, the evening opens with a performance by the Shishya’s Collective Ensemble, featuring young talents Shruti Vishwakarma (vocal), Swar Sharma (vocal), Sandeep Mishra (sarangi), Hrishikesh Majumdar (flute), Rohit Deo (tabla), and Tejas Katoti (harmonium). For these musicians, performing at Teen Prahar is both an honour and a milestone in their journey.
Pt. Venkatesh Kumar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
“It is a huge honour and privilege to be sharing the same stage with stalwarts like Ustad Shujaat Khan ji and Pandit Venkatesh Kumar ji,” says flautist Hrishikesh, “Performing at such a big stage is a truly special moment. It adds so much to my experience and career.”
Following the young ensemble, audiences will be treated to a mesmerising sitar recital by Ustad Shujaat Khan, one of the greatest exponents of the instrument. When asked about how he selects ragas for an event like Teen Prahar, he explains that the process is deeply rooted in convention.
“Raga selection happens on the basis of tradition — what has already been prescribed by the ancient traditions of our music. Each part of the day has specific ragas dedicated to it, meant to evoke and mirror the moods and feelings one experiences during those times,” he says. “Beyond that, it also depends on my mood and temperament at the moment.”
Hrishikesh Majumda
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
While studio recordings have their place, for Ustad Shujaat Khan, nothing compares to the energy of a live performance.
“Live performances make for the foundational essence of our music. This is how it is meant to be presented — through the meeting of energies between the audience and the artist. That connection is essential, and it simply cannot happen in a studio recording,” he explains.
Rounding off the evening is the acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Venkatesh Kumar. His performance promises to be a fitting finale, bringing both depth and devotion to the Teen Prahar experience.
What makes this festival special is its ability to offer something fresh with each edition. In addition to well-known classical forms, Teen Prahar has also played a key role in reviving lesser-heard traditions such as Haveli Sangeet and Dhrupad and giving rare instruments like Esraj, Surbahar, and Hindustani Cello a platform.
“Performing lesser-heard ragas is always an experience; not just for the audience but for us as musicians as well,” says Hrishikesh.
Teen Prahar is on February 27, 6pm onwards at Chowdiah Memorial Hall. Tickets on BookMyShow.
Published – February 26, 2025 01:57 pm IST
