Surrounded by the rugged hills of the Aravalli range, Fairmont Jaipur resembles a palace – its domes and arches reflect the royal splendor of Rajasthan. In its luxurious interiors, music flows like that rare gentle desert breeze. Pianist Brian Silas, a favorite of the seventies generation, plays a medley of timeless Hindi film songs, inspiring the audience to sing along with heartfelt enthusiasm. As the Sunday afternoon session of the India Music Retreat comes to an end, the sunlit lobby is filled with joy and melody, conversation and laughter. A lingering warmth of nostalgia surrounds everyone.
As most of the attendees leave for lunch, one guest stays behind – Manju Sharma from Mumbai. She stands in front of the cake with a sword instead of a knife and cuts the cake with force to celebrate her 60th birthday. Hotel staff, festival volunteers and some visitors join in to sing the birthday song. Her gift to herself is three days on retreat. “I wanted to be in a place where I could reinvent myself – away from the familiar setup, among new people,” she smiles.
Renowned pianist Brian Silas at India Music Retreat Photo Credits: Courtesy: Music
A young couple has chosen this festival as an escape from their busy work schedules and not for a normal holiday. Meanwhile, a group of Dubai women have turned the retreat into their reunion.
Music festivals in India are becoming more than just artistic performances – they are evolving into places of celebration, connection and personal transformation.
Vainika Jayanti Kumaresh performing in an open space at Fairmont Jaipur. , Photo Credits: Courtesy: Music
“The purpose of this retreat and other concerts I organize is to foster discovery. I’m looking for spaces that encourage the convergence of diverse voices and styles. This can’t happen within a traditional auditorium. It’s all about atmosphere (Environment). This is what inspires me to create,” says Mala Sekhri, Founder of Music.
India Music Retreat
Video Credit: Chitra Swaminathan
Mala started her journey in the field of art and culture with Music Today, a division of India Today and later started organizing Intimate meetings In memory of his father. “One thing led to another, and I slowly realized why not expand the reach of music by organizing festivals that would bring artists and audiences together in intense, soulful settings beyond regular venues?”
Aruna Sairam demonstrated his experimental approach towards classical music. Photo Credits: Courtesy: Music
The three-day India Music Retreat included Hindustani and Carnatic music, semi-classical, folk, Sufi, jazz and film songs. It is this eclectic mix that attracts a large number of unsuspecting people, as the festival atmosphere feels welcoming and the presentation seems fuss-free. Yet, each genre retained its authenticity, allowing audiences to engage at their own pace and comfort. For example, the morning concert by Venika Jayanti Kumaresh and Dhrupad exponent Wasifuddin Dagar gently opened up the world of ragas to the listeners, many of whom were experiencing classical music in its purest form for the first time. Bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun and alive with birds flying overhead, the tranquil open-air space allowed the music to breathe and the audience to absorb it without pressure or pretension. He discovered the emotional depth and meditative power of the art form. By the end of the retreat, many attendees were quietly converted, and expressed a new appreciation for a genre they had once considered distant or difficult.
Adding another dimension to the experience, the evening concerts showcased classical music’s openness to new ideas, as seen in the performance of renowned Carnatic singer Aruna Sairam. He offered a glimpse of his collaborative work with Gregorian chant expert Dominique Velard, singing in both Sanskrit and French. At the end of his performance, he shared the stage with American saxophonist George Brooks, giving a fresh take on the classical framework. Carnatic singer Sandeep Narayan continued this experimental spirit – his group included a Manganiyar percussionist, who mingled seamlessly with the classical accompanists, and added a rich folk element to the performances.
Kaushiki Chakraborty in retreat. , Photo Credits: Courtesy: Music
Exploration into other genres continued as well. Author and film music historian Manek Premchand explains how thoughtful use of the right raga can enhance the emotional impact of a song. Anirudh Verma Collective gave a contemporary flavor to traditional compositions through rich orchestral arrangements, while Punjab’s Jasbir Jassi highlighted the presence of ragas. word (Sikh prayer) before switching gears to showcase the vibrant energy of Punjabi folk. Adding to this sense of musical inclusivity, a concert with the artists underlined their important role in shaping the performance. This was preceded by a panel discussion with lead actors advocating for equal recognition for them
Jassi Jasbir’s music had both calm and enthusiastic moments. Photo Credits: Courtesy: Music
“I see the festival participants as the new patrons of the arts, replacing the earlier Maharajas. Their wholehearted participation and support contributes to the economy of the festival. Some of them have become permanent fixtures in my programs – be it a musical tour on the Hooghly, the exclusive Patiala Gharana at Rann Bas, a hotel turned 18th-century heritage property, or RamcharitmanasPat At the house of saint-poet Tulsidas in Varanasi. It feels like one big family, traveling together on a journey of sound. And, at the same time, we keep adding more members,” says Mala.
published – October 29, 2025 08:00 IST