Celebrating Santoor’s timeless legacy

Keeping the legacy of the saint of the santoor, Pandit Bhajan Sopori, alive, legendary maestros and young emerging artistes came together in New Delhi to celebrate the third edition of World Santoor Day.
Celebrated on the birth anniversary of Pandit Bhajan Sopori, the event was organised by the Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, bringing together music lovers and cultural enthusiasts to honour one of India’s most cherished and ancient classical instruments.

The evening was a tribute to India’s centuries-old musical traditions and Pandit Bhajan Sopori’s lifelong mission of preserving Kashmir’s Sufiana legacy through the santoor. It featured captivating performances by emerging santoor exponent Divyansh Srivastava, accompanied by Khurram Ali Niazi on the tabla and Varun Rajasekharan on the ghatam, who performed Raga Jhinjhoti in the traditional Sopori Baaj style.

This was followed by the enthralling melodies of Raga Kaushik Dhwani, performed by renowned santoor maestro Sandip Chatterjee, accompanied by Pandit Durjay Bhanik on the tabla. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Pandit Sandip Chatterjee emphasised the importance of preserving India’s musical heritage and traditional instruments by passing them on to future generations. Recalling the wisdom of his guru, he highlighted the values of unity, harmony, and collective strength, describing music as a powerful medium that connects people through love and shared traditions.

The evening was not only a celebration of these talented artistes but also of the timeless appeal of the santoor, whose gentle yet expressive notes continue to evoke emotions across generations. The annual concert remains a heartfelt tribute to India’s ancient musical heritage, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for this historic instrument and its enduring legacy.