18th Pandit Siyaram Tiwari Music Festival Celebrates the Legacy of Dhrupad

The 18th edition of the Pandit Siyaram Tiwari Music Festival paid a grand tribute to one of the most revered figures in Indian classical music.

The festival honoured the life and legacy of Pandit Siyaram Tiwari, a maestro of the ancient Dhrupad tradition. Dhrupad, the oldest form of North Indian classical vocal music, has roots in the chanting style of the Samaveda, a sacred Sanskrit text dating back over 3,000 years.

This meditative and contemplative genre, once confined to Hindu temples and royal courts, has evolved into a sophisticated art form over the centuries. A key feature of Dhrupad is its deep connection to nada yoga, the practice of exploring the inner sounds and vibrations of the body, believed to be the fundamental building blocks of the universe. Dhrupad vocalists cultivate an extraordinary resonance, enabling them to express a wide range of tones and microtones.

It is this ancient tradition that Pandit Siyaram Tiwari, a leading exponent of the Darbhanga gharana, championed throughout his life until his passing in 1998. Born on March 10, 1919, Pandit Siyaram Tiwari was celebrated for his mastery of Dhrupad and was particularly known for introducing fast-paced laykari (rhythmic play) within the genre. His contributions were recognised with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri in 1971 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1984, India's highest honor for musicians.

The Pandit Siyaram Tiwari Memorial Sangeet Trust, under the curatorship of Dr. Sumeet Anand Pandey, organised this festival to preserve and promote the rich tradition of Dhrupad. Dr. Pandey, Tiwari’s maternal grandson and an acclaimed Dhrupad vocalist, continues to uphold the family’s musical legacy. As the co-founder and secretary of the Trust, Dr. Pandey is committed to sharing the timeless beauty of Dhrupad with a wider audience. 

This year’s festival featured captivating performances, beginning with Shashi Kant Pathak, who delivered a mesmerising solo on the Pakhawaj, a classical Indian drum. Pathak’s performance earned him the “Navodit Kalakar Samman” award. He was accompanied by Rajesh Mishra on the Sarangi and Dr. Pandey himself on vocals.

The evening concluded with a masterful Sarod recital by Pandit Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, who performed ragas from the Malhar family, accompanied by Pandit Durjay Bhaumik on Tabla. The noted music critic Pandit Vijay Shankar Mishra served as the compère for the event, guiding the audience through the evening’s rich offerings. Speaking at the event, Dr. Pandey said, “It’s a great honor to continue the legacy of my grandfather, Pandit Siyaram Tiwari, through this annual festival. 

Dhrupad is a timeless tradition that deserves to be celebrated and shared with the world. We hope that this festival will inspire new generations to appreciate and learn this beautiful art form.” This year’s festival held particular significance as the Pandit Siyaram Tiwari Memorial Sangeet Trust marked its 10th anniversary. Over the past year, the Trust organised 10 festivals across India, showcasing the beauty of Indian classical music. Two notable initiatives, Geetam Vadyam Nrityam and Vani Veena Venu, received widespread acclaim. Additionally, Dr. Pandey launched the “Naya Swar” series in Delhi, featuring performances by young maestros, with plans to expand to cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in the coming year. The Darbhanga school, to which Pandit Siyaram Tiwari belonged, is known for producing versatile vocalists skilled in Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri and Bhajans. Pandit Tiwari’s exemplary mastery in these forms continues to serve as a guiding light for future generations of musicians.

Dr. Pandey’s dedication to his craft extends beyond India. He has been invited as a Fulbright visiting fellow for 2024-25 at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he will engage in teaching, research, and concerts. His recent tour of seven European countries, where he presented Dhrupad on prestigious stages, further solidifies his role in taking Indian classical music to a global audience. As the 18th Pandit Siyaram Tiwari Music Festival concluded, it not only celebrated the enduring legacy of the Dhrupad maestro but also reaffirmed the vibrant future of this ancient musical tradition.