Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Pt. Prabhakar Chari Pratisthan and Swar Sanskruti Music Academy have announced a two-day memorial music festival in Panaji to honour the legacy of two towering figures of Hindustani classical music — the late Pt. Prabhakar Chari and eminent sitarist Pt. Yograj Naik.
The festival will take place on September 20 and 21, 2025, at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji, with performances starting at 4:00 pm on both days. The event will feature some of India’s finest classical musicians, offering Goan audiences an immersive experience into the depth and diversity of Hindustani classical music.
The opening day will feature three distinct segments: a graceful dance performance by Manjushri Mate, a sitar trio featuring Laxmikant Khandekar, Sadanand Amonkar, and Raghuvir Fadate, and a soulful vocal recital by Prachala Amonkar. The evening will conclude with a grand sitar recital by Pt. Ravi Chary, accompanied by Mandar Katti, Sarang Vechalekar, Vishal Bhurke, Kavita Lotliker, and Khushi Chaugule — promising a mesmerising confluence of strings.
The second day will open with Laybandh, the percussion ensemble of the Goa College of Music, presenting a vibrant rhythmic offering. This will be followed by a vocal recital by Pallavi Patil and a solo harmonium performance by Dr. Manisha Kulkarni. The highlight of the evening will be Taal Vandana, featuring a constellation of percussion maestros including Pt. Tulshidas Navelkar, Pt. Ulhas Velingkar, Shrikumar Sarjyotishi, Dr. Saish Deshpande, Dr. Rajesh Bhatkurse, Amit Bhonsle, and Geetesh Mandrekar. Another major attraction will be Pakhawaj Shiv Tandav led by Krushna Salunke with Praful Sonkamble (vocals), Dnyaneshwar Andil and Gopal Panchal (pakhawaj), and Yash Mestri (manjira), offering audiences an electrifying finale.
Both days will also feature eminent accompanists including Pt. Shubh Maharaj, Dattaraj Mhalshi, Shripad Chari, Gautami Amonkar, Wasim Khan, and Srujan Bhatkurse, whose expertise will add further depth to the performances.
Speaking at the press conference, Pt. Ravi Chary, son and disciple of Pt. Prabhakar Chari, shared,
“Pt. Prabhakar Chari was not just my father but my inspiration. Through his efforts in the 1970s and 80s, especially through the cultural programme Swaranjali, he spread classical music across Goa and gave a platform to many renowned artists. This festival continues that mission, keeping Goa’s living tradition of Hindustani classical music alive and accessible to all.”
This two-day festival is expected to be a rare treat for classical music connoisseurs and newcomers alike, serving as both a tribute to two great maestros and a celebration of India’s rich musical heritage.
