The Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Events India s a prominent Indian cultural organisation and arts promotion body known for nurturing, preserving, and promoting the rich heritage of Indian performing arts — especially classical music, folk traditions, Sufi and mystic music, fusion music, and related cultural forms. Founded in 1996 by Mahesh Babu and Nandini Mahesh, Banyan Tree has spent over 25 years building a platform that connects artists, audiences, and cultural traditions both within India and internationally.

Main Activities of Banyan Tree

1. Curating and Producing Performing Arts Events
Banyan Tree organises a wide range of festivals, concerts, and cultural events that celebrate Indian and world music. These events often span genres — including Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, Sufi and mystic music, folk music, fusion, jazz, and thematic concerts — and are held in numerous cities across India.

• Ruhaniyat – The All India Sufi & Mystic Music Festival: One of Banyan Tree’s most notable annual events, Ruhaniyat brings together qawwals, Bauls, Kabirpanthis, and other mystic music traditions from across India and the world. It’s considered among the largest festivals of its kind in India.
• Splendor of Masters: A concert series showcasing leading maestros of Indian classical music.
• Teen Prahar Festival: Focuses on Hindustani music tied to the unique time cycle of ragas.
• Other thematic and genre-spanning events and collaborations with governments and cultural institutions.

2. Supporting Artists and Heritage
Beyond live events, Banyan Tree is dedicated to preserving musical heritage and providing platforms for both established and emerging artists. It has collaborated with thousands of artists from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and continues to expand access to rare and classical forms.

3. Record Label – Ninaad Records
Banyan Tree operates its music label Ninaad Records, which specialises in preserving and promoting Indian classical, folk, spiritual, and world music recordings. The label documents performances, both contemporary and archival, helping ensure these traditions are accessible to wider audiences.

Education and Non-Profit Initiatives

Tender Roots Academy of Performing Arts
Banyan Tree’s non-profit arm, founded in 2014, focuses on education and engagement, offering workshops, festivals, lecture-demonstrations, and performance opportunities for children, young adults, and aspiring musicians. It also provides scholarships and mentorship to help young artists develop their craft.

Meri Kala Meri Pehchaan
Another non-profit initiative launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this programme focuses on supporting folk artists and folk arts, helping sustain traditional practitioners and bring their work to broader audiences.

Impact and Reach

• Thousands of artists across India and abroad have performed under Banyan Tree’s banner.
• Its festivals have been staged in numerous Indian cities and sometimes internationally, drawing large audiences and fostering cultural exchange.
• Banyan Tree collaborates with government culture and tourism departments to celebrate regional heritage on global platforms.

In essence, Banyan Tree’s mission is to be a bridge between artistic traditions and contemporary audiences — preserving cultural heritage while encouraging creative innovation and educational outreach in the world of performing arts.