Punjab to Host 150th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, India’s Oldest Classical Music Festival

A milestone in India’s classical music tradition

Punjab is set to host the 150th edition of the Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan , India’s oldest Hindustani classical music festival, from December 26 to 28 at the historic Shree Devi Talab Temple in Jalandhar . The three-day event marks a rare cultural milestone, celebrating a musical legacy that has continued uninterrupted since the late 19th century.

Historic roots and organisation

The Harivallabh Sammelan is organised in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) under the Union Ministry of Culture, with active support from the Punjab government. Over the decades, the festival has emerged as one of the most prestigious platforms for Hindustani classical music, nurturing generations of vocalists and instrumentalists while safeguarding traditional gharana-based styles.

Tribute to spiritual and musical icons

The landmark 150th edition has been dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur , the ninth Sikh Guru, revered for his supreme sacrifice in defence of human freedom and spiritual values. The festival will also honour the memory of Pt Chhannu Lal Mishra , the celebrated Banaras Gharana vocalist who passed away earlier this year and whose contribution significantly enriched India’s classical music heritage.

Eminent artistes and performances

The festival will feature a stellar line-up of renowned artistes, including Malini Awasthi , Pt Sajan Mishra , Swaransh Mishra , Pt Ronu Majumdar , Shashank Subramanyam , Ashwini Bhide , Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar , Pt Shubhendra Rao with Saskia Rao-de-Haas , and Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar . Leading percussionists such as Pt Vijay Ghate and V Selvaganesh will accompany the performances.

Living continuity of classical music

As it completes 150 editions, the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan stands as a symbol of India’s living musical tradition, bridging generations of musicians and audiences while reaffirming the timeless relevance of Hindustani classical music.

Exam-Focused Points

• Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan is India’s oldest Hindustani classical music festival

• It is held annually at Shree Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar

• The festival is organised with support from the Union Ministry of Culture

• Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru