Colourful Traditions-Tansen Music Festival-Central India

Madhya Pradesh occupies a special position in the history of Indian music. The Gwalior gharana is among the most prominent arbiters of the classical style. Raja Mansingh's patronage of Dhrupad singers is well known.

A pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the 'nine jewels' of Akbar's court, lies buried in Gwalior. The memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity, and is built in the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the Tansen Tomb is a part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage. It is the venue of the annual Indian classical festival held here in November-December. Renowned classical singers of the land regale audiences through five mesmerizing night-long sessions of the much-loved classical ragas.

The festival is held, near the tomb of Tansen at Behat, Gwalior in the month of November/ December every year. The tomb build in the early Mughal architectural style is a part of Gwalior's cultural heritage. Renowned classical singers from the country gather and perform for five night-long sessions. The venue resounds with the various ragas.