The tenth annual Bhimaanjali, a pre‑dawn congregation of Indian classical music dedicated to the memory and ideals of Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, assembles an extraordinary roster of artists for Bhimaanjali 2025. Over a decade the festival has become known for its contemplative rāga unfoldings, extended ālāp and delicately responsive rhythmic support; this milestone edition both honors that legacy and reaffirms the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and the inclusive, democratic values espoused by Dr. Ambedkar.

At the heart of this year’s programme is a stellar ensemble of maestros who bring to the Bhimaanjali stage distinct lineages, techniques and creative sensibilities. Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, a seventh‑generation exponent of the Imdadkhani (Etawah) gharana, will offer his signature gayaki ang on the sitar: voice‑like ālāps and nuanced improvisations that seek to bridge the expressive continuity between vocal and instrumental traditions. Pandit Rajendra Prasanna, of the Benaras gharana, brings the rare dual mastery of bansuri and shehnai; his lyrical phrasing and timbral contrasts promise to deepen the meditative atmosphere while lending moments of soulful celebration. Pandit Atul Kumar Upadhye, founder of the Upadhye Violin Academy and the SwaraZankar Music Festival, is noted for blending Indian and Western violin techniques and for pioneering right‑hand methods and dual tuning styles; his contribution this year will expand the rāga canvas with rich textural and harmonic nuances that converse across musical idioms. From the Carnatic tradition, Pandit Sridar Parthasarathy - both a vocalist and mridangam virtuoso - will provide rhythmic sophistication and cross‑genre sensitivity, his percussional dialogues informed by collaborations that span from classical to contemporary ensembles. Rounding the ensemble is Pandit Mukesh Jadhav, a seasoned tabla maestro and guru whose attentive accompaniment and solo artistry will shape the rhythmic contours that support and elevate the melodic explorations of the lead artists.