Mumbai’s prestigious Aarohi Mahotsav returns for its 24th edition on 20-21 May, showcasing six promising young Indian classical musicians. Powered by Pancham Nishad, this free event at Rabindra Natya Mandir provides an important platform for emerging talent. The festival, celebrating its legacy of nurturing artistes, promises vibrant performances of traditional music with youthful expression.

For over two decades, Aarohi – A Festival of Rising Stars has quietly built a reputation as one of Mumbai’s most respected platforms for emerging Indian classical musicians. This year, the festival returns for its 24th edition on May 20 and 21 at the Mini Theatre, Rabindra Natya Mandir, with six young artistes set to carry forward the classical traditions of India. The festival starts at 6pm both evenings and is open to all with free entry.Established in 2002 with the vision of “Catching Them Young”, Aarohi has presented over 138 young musicians to Mumbai audiences, not as students, but as serious concert-ready artists. Over the years, the festival has earned the trust of the city’s classical music community for highlighting artistes at the defining moments of their journey.Six artists, six unique musical journeysThe opening evening on May 20 will feature singer Chaitanya Parab, whose performance has sincerity and emotional depth. “It is a privilege to present Indian classical music on a platform that has consistently supported and celebrated India’s rich musical heritage,” he says.Also performing is santoor maestro Divyansh Srivastava, who will present his first full-length classical santoor recital in Mumbai. A disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Srivastava represents the Sopori Sufiana Gharana. He shared, “This performance is particularly emotional for me, it allows me to present the musical aesthetics and bass of the Sopori Sufiana Gharana as a proud disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori.”The evening concluded with a performance by first generation professional musician, singer Adya Mukherjee. “Indian classical music is deeply connected to my identity and emotions. To be able to pursue this professionally and present it on a platform like Aarohi is incredibly meaningful to me,” she says.Tradition meets youth expressionThe second evening on May 21 will begin with Swati Tiwari, a singer trained in both the Gwalior and Banaras gharanas. She says, “I am very grateful for the opportunities that allow young artists to share the essence and purity of our classical music with discerning audiences.”Flutist Samyak Parashari will bring his contemplative perspective on the flute to the stage. He says, “For me, performing at Aarohi is an opportunity to connect with listeners emotionally through the flute and contribute in my own way to keeping our classical traditions alive for young audiences.” The festival will be concluded by singer Abhed Abhisheki, grandson of Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki and son of Shaunak Abhisheki. He says, “I feel extremely honored to be performing at the prestigious Aarohi Mahotsav. This is my first time singing on such a large scale in Mumbai, which is a mix of nervousness and excitement. This is an important milestone, and I am looking forward to giving my best performance.”All six actors will also be co-starring Yeti Bhagwat, Swapnil Bhise, Rohit Dev, Manoj Solanki, Sudhanshu Gharpure and Dnyaneshwar Sonawane.‘Right platform at the right time’What Aarohi has maintained over 24 years is his belief that young musicians flourish not through showmanship, but through meaningful listening and thoughtful platforms. Shashi Vyas of Pancham Nishad, the show’s curator, says, “The vitality of Indian classical music depends on empowering young musicians at the right time. Aarohi was conceived to meet this need – and even after more than two decades, its spirit continues to inspire and resonate.”