Six young artistes. Two evenings. Voices and instruments carrying the weight of India’s great musical traditions — and the conviction of a generation ready to take them forward. At Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi. Free for all who wish to listen.
Mumbai, May 2026: For 24 years, Aarohi has remained one of Mumbai’s most respected platforms for emerging Indian classical musicians. Conceptualised and curated by Pancham Nishad and presented by GRACE Foundation, Aarohi — A Festival of Rising Stars — returns on May 20 & 21, 2026, at the Mini Theatre, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, from 6:00 PM onwards.
Founded in 2002 with the vision of “Catching Them Young,” the festival has introduced more than 138 young musicians to discerning audiences in Mumbai — not as students on display, but as artistes who have earned their place on a serious stage. Both evenings are open to all, with free entry.
The first evening, May 20, presents three artists of strikingly distinct voices. Vocalist Chaitanya Parab brings a sincerity and depth to the classical vocal tradition that belies his years. Santoor exponent Divyansh Srivastava takes the stage for his debut full-length classical Santoor recital in Mumbai, presenting the rare and distinguished aesthetic of the Sopori Sufiyana Gharana — a tradition he carries forward as a disciple of the legendary Pandit Bhajan Sopori. Vocalist Aadya Mukherjee completes the evening — a first-generation professional musician for whom Indian classical music is not a career path, but a calling woven into the very fabric of her identity.
May 21 is no less compelling. Vocalist Swati Tiwari, shaped by the twin rigours of the Gwalior and Banaras gharanas, brings to the stage a maturity of expression rooted in two of Hindustani music’s most storied traditions. Flautist Samyak Parashari approaches the bansuri as an instrument of emotional communion, where every note becomes a conversation between musician and listener. Closing the festival is vocalist Abhed Abhisheki, son of Pandit Shounak Abhisheki and Grandson of the iconic Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki — an artiste who arrives not in the shadow of a great name, but in its light, finding his own voice within a lineage Mumbai has long held dear.
All six artistes will be accompanied by acclaimed co-artistes Yati Bhagwat, Swapnil Bhise, Rohit Deo, Manoj Solanki, Sudhanshu Gharpure, and Dyaneshwar Sonawane.
What Aarohi has understood for over two decades — and what Mumbai’s classical music community continues to trust — is that great musicians are not made on big stages. They are made on the right stage, at the right moment, before an audience that listens with care. That is precisely what Pancham Nishad and GRACE Foundation have continued to build, one edition at a time.
“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.” — Mr. Shashi Vyas, Founder, GRACE Foundation
Quotes of the performing artists of Aarohi
“It is a privilege to present Indian classical music on a stage that has consistently supported and celebrated India’s rich musical heritage.” — Chaitanya Parab, Vocal
“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.” — Divyansh Srivastava, Santoor
“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.”- Aadya Mukherjee, Vocal
“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.”— Swati Tiwari, Vocal
“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.”— Samyak Parashari, Bansuri
Abhed Abhisheki shared, “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.”
EVENT DETAILS
Festival: Aarohi — A Festival of Rising Stars | 24th Edition
Day 1: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Chaitanya Parab (Vocal)
Divyansh Srivastava (Santoor)
Aadya Mukherjee (Vocal)
Day 2: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Swati Tiwari (Vocal)
Samyak Parashari (Flute)
Abhed Abhisheki (Vocal)
Venue: P.L. Deshpande, Mini Theatre, 3rd Floor, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
Time: 6:00 PM Onwards
Entry: Free | Few Seats Reserved
Concept & Curated by Pancham Nishad | Presented by GRACE Foundation
About GRACE Foundation
The Gunijaan Research Art Culture & Education (GRACE) Foundation is a Section 8 non-profit company dedicated to the preservation and promotion of India’s rich performing arts heritage. Guided by the philosophy “Growing individually whilst staying together,” the Foundation champions artistic collaboration and inclusive platforms for India’s next generation of performers.
