Hitting the Right Notes at the Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior

A musical tribute befitting a musical legend, can there be a better way to honour the memory of the greats? If you’re a Hindustani classical music aficionado, the Tansen Samaroh, organised in the historic city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh could well be your Mecca. Organised each year, since probably the 1930s, the festival pays a rich musical tribute to the iconic exponent of Hindustani music, Mian Tansen, who was also known as one of the navratnas, or nine gems in the court of the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He belonged to Gwalior and is said to have influenced the setting up of the Gwalior gharana of classical music, which boasts of contemporary legends such as sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his father Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash. This musical treat spans four days in the month of December and is a tremendous draw for not just Indian musicians, both established and budding, but also for those who know how to appreciate the nuances of sophisticated ragas.

Tansen Samaroh is a real treat for classical music aficionados

The Musical Brilliance of Tansen

As a decorated celebrity in the courts of Akbar, Tansen is known to have been a great delight to the Emperor, who was a curator of the art of culture in his time. Legend has it that Tansen’s powerful ragas could not just whip up emotions but also affect the elements. His rendition of raga malhar could bring forth a steady cloud burst and his raga deep could light up a thousand lamps. Inspired by such evident genius, the Gwalior gharana is said to be one of the oldest schools of Indian classical music and also the creator and propagator of the classical composition known as dhrupad. The Tansen Samaroh or festival is an annual tribute as much to the brilliance of Tansen, also known as the sur samrat, as to the traditions and heritage of Gwalior’s historical contribution to the world of Indian classical music.

Of Surs and Ragas

Organised by the government of Madhya Pradesh and its department of culture, the Tansen Samaroh draws artistes and musicians from across the country. The festival boasts the presence of well-known names such as Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, RA Firdausi, Khaleefa Tanvir Alam, Kamil Hazrat, Akhtar Warsi, Nirmala Dey, Ashwini Dalvi, Pritadarshini Kulkarni, Lokesh Anand and several others. The festival typically takes place at the great musician’s tomb or mausoleum in Gwalior although some events may also take place at his native village of Behat Murar on the banks of the Jhilmil River. Lasting nearly four days and five nights, this musical extravaganza begins with shehnai recitals and qawwalis. Musical sermons are as much a part of the festival as are chandarposhis and milad recitals.

The Tomb of Tansen in Gwalior where the event usually takes place

Visiting Gwalior

The Tansen Festival can also prove to be an excellent opportunity to visit the historic city of Gwalior with its ancient forts and palaces and also tour the legendary city of Jhansi close by. When in Jhansi, tourists can also tour to the nearby temple and resort at Orchha, another stellar destination that draws large crowds of local and international tourists.

Gwalior is home to many glorious forts that leave visitors awe-struck

Getting There

Gwalior has its own airport with weekly flights from cities like Mumbai. It is also well-connected to the rest of the country by train and bus.