5th January

As the inaugural presentation of the year 2025, the event was aptly titled Prarambh - signifying a new beginning.

For Arghya, Prarambh marked a significant leap in scale, vision, and artistic presentation. Drawing from our previous learnings, experiences, and guidance received along the way, we endeavoured to create an offering that was grander, more refined, and thoughtfully curated.

One of the conscious enhancements this year was the restructuring of the performance schedule. The number of presentations was carefully streamlined, allowing each artiste greater creative freedom and adequate time to unfold the depth and beauty of their art.

The evening commenced with an exceptional opening recital by one of Arghya’s pillars and founders, Sarang Vechalekar, an emerging and highly versatile sitar exponent. He was accompanied by none other than Pandit Satyajit Talwalkar, among the foremost tabla maestros of contemporary times, whose artistry elevated the performance to great heights.

In keeping with the spirit of new beginnings, Arghya also chose this occasion to honour individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes in nurturing pure classical music and encouraging emerging talent. For this felicitation, we could think of no one more deserving than Shashi Vyas of Pancham Nishad. The ceremony was graced by the presence of many distinguished personalities from diverse fields.

The master presentation of the evening featured one of India’s most celebrated classical vocalists, Vidushi Kaushiki Chakraborty. She was accompanied by an illustrious ensemble of maestros — Murad Ali on sarangi, Jyotirmoy Banerjee on harmonium, and once again Pandit Satyajit Talwalkar on tabla.

True to Arghya’s signature style of immersive grandeur, the evening’s décor was inspired by the serene elegance of lotus blooms and soaring birds overhead, creating a refreshing and vibrant ambience that beautifully complemented the blissful experience of pure classical music.

The prestigious Balgandharv Auditorium, Bandra, was filled to the brim, reflecting the overwhelming warmth, appreciation, and support of rasikas who joined us for this memorable beginning to the year.