Tansen Samaroh

Held every December in Behat, in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh (a UNESCO City of Music), Tansen Samaroh has honoured Miyan Tansen, one of the nine jewels of Emperor Akbar's court, since 1924. This Hindustani classical music festival brings together vocal and instrumental recitals over several days, alongside talks, workshops and exhibitions on India's musical heritage. It traditionally opens with ceremonial rites (Harikatha, Milad Sharif, shehnai) before giving way to leading exponents of classical ragas.