Patna: The three-day Durga Swarotsav 2026 concluded at Ravindra Bhawan on Sunday with governor Syed Ata Hasnain attending the final programme as the chief guest.Held from Oct 9 to Oct 11, the festival was organised by the art and culture department of Bihar govt, SPIC MACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture among Youth) and Shreem Educational Trust. It brought together renowned musicians and performers, showcasing Hindustani classical music, Bharatanatyam and Purulia Chhau.The festival opened on Friday with a vocal recital by Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Sajan Mishra, an exponent of the Banaras gharana’s khayal tradition. Padma Vibhushan awardee and violinist N Rajam followed with her distinctive Gayaki Ang style, bringing the nuances of vocal music to the violin.Saturday’s programme featured vocalist Vidushi Manali Bose, followed by a “jugalbandi” between Padma Shri recipient and santoor maestro Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya and classical slide guitarist Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya. Their performance explored the interplay of melody and rhythm through the distinctive sounds of the two instruments.The concluding evening showcased India’s dance and folk traditions. Padma Shri awardee Vidushi Geeta Chandran presented “Shiva/Shakti”, a Bharatanatyam production exploring the divine relationship between Shiva and Devi through expressive movements and intricate footwork.The festival ended with “Mahishasur Mardini”, a Purulia Chhau performance led by Tamal Kanti Rajak and his troupe. Vibrant masks, martial movements and dramatic storytelling depicted Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.Maya Shankar, chairperson of Durga Swarotsav, said the event also highlighted the need to provide classical musicians and traditional performers with platforms to reach wider audiences. Such initiatives can nurture young people’s interest in India’s artistic heritage and strengthen Patna’s cultural profile, Maya added.
