Nagpur, July 24, 2026

The South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, will organise the 33rd Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Music Festival from July 29 to 31, 2026 at Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Hall, Civil Lines, Nagpur. The three-day festival will feature distinguished exponents of Indian classical music, instrumental performances and a celebrated Marathi musical theatre production. Performances will begin at 6.30 pm each day.

The details of the festival were shared during a press conference held on July 24, 2026 by Deputy Director Smt. Mithila Talwanekar and Assistant Director (Programmes) Shri Deepak Kulkarni, in the presence of Accounts and Administrative Officer Shri Deepak Patil.

The festival will open on July 29 with a Hindustani classical vocal recital by Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal, one of India's leading classical vocalists known for her rich musical legacy and extensive training under eminent gurus. This will be followed by a sitar recital by renowned musician Niladri Kumar, acclaimed for his innovative contribution to Indian classical music through the development of the Zitar while preserving the traditional sitar repertoire.

On July 30, the audience will witness the acclaimed Marathi musical play Devbabhali, presented by Bhadrakali Productions, Mumbai. Written and directed by Prajakta Deshmukh with music composed by Anand Oak, the production has been staged over 800 times and has received 44 awards. The musical is recognised for blending traditional abhang compositions with contemporary theatrical presentation.

The concluding day, July 31, will begin with a flute recital by Padma Shri Pt. Ronu Majumdar, an internationally acclaimed flautist who has played a significant role in popularising the Indian bamboo flute across the world. The festival will conclude with a Hindustani classical vocal performance by noted vocalist and composer Swaradhish Dr. Bharat Balvalli, recognised for his contribution to preserving and promoting the musical legacy of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar.

Season passes can be obtained from the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm, and will also be available at the venue during the festival.

Director of SCZCC, Smt. Aastha Karlekar, has appealed to music lovers, art enthusiasts and the public to attend the festival in large numbers and make the event a grand success.

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Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

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