Classical and Abhang Concerts Scheduled in Mumbai on 28–29 March 2026

Mumbai’s cultural calendar for 28–29 March 2026 features two music programmes that reflect distinct yet connected strands of Indian musical practice—devotional Abhang singing and Hindustani classical performance. Scheduled at different venues across the city, the concerts bring together a range of artists and highlight ongoing efforts by local institutions to sustain live music traditions.

On 28 March, Abhang Mela – Vid. Uma Kumar Live in Mumbai is set to take place at Shankaralayam Sanstha. The program focuses on Abhang compositions, a devotional form associated with the Bhakti tradition of Maharashtra, particularly linked to the worship of Vitthal. The format of the concert brings together elements from both Carnatic and Hindustani systems, reflecting a cross-traditional approach to devotional music.

The performance is led by Carnatic vocalist Uma Kumar, who presents a repertoire that draws on the Abhang tradition while incorporating classical structures. She is joined by Kumara Krishnan on harmonium, Aditya Rajagopal on mridangam, and Padmaraj Upadhya on tabla. The presence of both mridangam and tabla within the same ensemble points to an intentional blending of rhythmic frameworks, supporting a presentation that moves between devotional expression and classical interpretation.

The choice of venue also shapes the nature of the event. As a temple space, Shankaralayam Sanstha provides an intimate setting that aligns with the devotional character of Abhang singing. Such environments often allow for closer engagement between performers and listeners, differing from the more formal conventions of auditorium-based concerts.

The following day, on 29 March, the focus shifts to a Hindustani classical format with the Pandit Wamanrao Sadolikar Memorial Concert 2026, organized by the Pandit Wamanrao Sadolikar Foundation. The event will be held at Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre and marks the 35th death anniversary of Wamanrao Sadolikar, a noted figure of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.

The program begins with a harmonium recital by Sudhir Nayak, accompanied on tabla by Aneesh Pradhan. Nayak’s training under Pandit Tulsidas Borkar and Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki places him within a lineage that has contributed significantly to the development of the harmonium as both a solo and accompanying instrument. Pradhan, a disciple of tabla exponent Nikhil Ghosh, brings an established performance practice that spans solo recitals and collaborative work.

The second half of the concert features a vocal recital by Shruti Sadolikar Katkar. As a senior representative of the Jaipur-Atrauli tradition, her performance forms a central component of the memorial program. She is accompanied by Abhay Datar on tabla and Anant Joshi on harmonium, following the established format of Hindustani khayal presentation.

In addition to the performances, the event includes a felicitation of Nityanand Haldipur, recognizing his contribution to Hindustani classical music. Such acknowledgements are a recurring feature of memorial concerts, where performance and recognition are brought together within a single program.

The two concerts, though different in structure and setting, collectively reflect the diversity of Mumbai’s music programming. The Abhang Mela foregrounds devotional repertoire within a semi-classical framework, while the memorial concert emphasizes lineage, gharana tradition, and formal concert presentation. The contrast is further evident in the venues—one a temple setting and the other an established cultural auditorium.

At a broader level, these programmes point to the continued role of cultural organisations and foundations in presenting classical music outside large commercial circuits. By hosting performances that range from devotional forms to structured classical recitals, such initiatives contribute to maintaining both accessibility and continuity within the city’s musical landscape.

As Mumbai moves through its late March calendar, these concerts offer a concise view of how different traditions coexist within the same urban space—each retaining its identity while contributing to a shared cultural framework.