Aarohi Festival Returns to Mumbai in May to Celebrate Emerging Classical Musicians

Mumbai's classical music landscape will welcome back Aarohi — A Festival of Rising Stars on May 20 and 21, 2026, with a carefully curated programme highlighting six emerging artistes. The festival, now in its 24th year, will take place at the Mini Theatre of Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, with performances beginning at 6:00 PM each evening. Admission is free for all attendees.

Since its inception in 2002, Aarohi has established itself as one of Mumbai's premier platforms for young Indian classical musicians. Conceptualised and curated by Pancham Nishad and presented by GRACE Foundation, the festival operates on the principle of "Catching Them Young," having introduced over 138 young musicians to audiences throughout its history. Rather than presenting performers as students, the festival positions them as accomplished artistes who have earned their place on a serious concert stage.

The opening evening of May 20 features three distinct musical voices. Vocalist Chaitanya Parab brings considerable depth to classical vocal performance, while santoor exponent Divyansh Srivastava makes his debut full-length classical recital in Mumbai, representing the Sopori Sufiyana Gharana tradition under the mentorship of Pandit Bhajan Sopori. Vocalist Aadya Mukherjee, a first-generation professional musician, rounds out the first day's programme.

The May 21 lineup presents equally compelling artistry. Vocalist Swati Tiwari draws from the Gwalior and Banaras gharana traditions, bringing refined expression rooted in two significant lineages of Hindustani music. Flautist Samyak Parashari approaches the bansuri as a medium for emotional connection between performer and listener. Vocalist Abhed Abhisheki, son of Pandit Shounak Abhisheki and grandson of the legendary Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, completes the festival, bringing forward his family's musical legacy while establishing his own artistic voice.

All six principal performers will be accompanied by accomplished co-artistes including Yati Bhagwat, Swapnil Bhise, Rohit Deo, Manoj Solanki, Sudhanshu Gharpure, and Dyaneshwar Sonawane.

According to Shashi Vyas, Founder of GRACE Foundation, "The vitality of Indian classical music depends on empowering young musicians at the right time. Aarohi was envisioned to fulfil this need — and after more than two decades, its spirit continues to inspire and resonate."

Divyansh Srivastava expressed the personal significance of his participation: "This performance is especially emotional for me — it allows me to present the musical aesthetics and baaj of the Sopori Sufiyana Gharana as a proud disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori."

Aadya Mukherjee noted that "Indian classical music has become deeply intertwined with my identity and emotions. Being able to pursue it professionally and present it on a platform like Aarohi is incredibly meaningful to me."

Swati Tiwari shared her perspective: "Coming from the Gwalior and Banaras gharana traditions, I feel deeply grateful for opportunities that allow young artistes to share the essence and purity of our classical music with discerning audiences."

Samyak Parashari stated, "For me, performing at Aarohi is an opportunity to connect listeners emotionally through the bansuri — and to contribute, in my own way, to keeping our classical traditions alive for younger audiences."

Abhed Abhisheki reflected on his participation: "I am deeply honoured to perform at the prestigious Aarohi festival. It is my first time singing in Mumbai on such a grand scale, bringing a mix of nerves and excitement. This is a significant milestone, and I look forward to giving my absolute best performance."

Chaitanya Parab added, "It is a privilege to present Indian classical music on a stage that has consistently supported and celebrated India's rich musical heritage."

The festival operates on the understanding that exceptional musicians develop not necessarily on the largest stages, but rather on the right platform at the right moment, before audiences who listen with genuine attention. Over two decades, this philosophy has guided the curation of each edition.

GRACE Foundation, which presents the festival, is a Section 8 non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting India's performing arts heritage. Operating under the philosophy "Growing individually whilst staying together," the Foundation supports artistic collaboration and inclusive platforms for India's emerging performers.

A limited number of reserved seating is available for the performances.