Panaji, 17th September 2025: At a press conference held today, Pt. Prabhakar Chari Pratisthan and Swar Sanskruti Music Academy announced the organisation of a two-day memorial music festival in Panaji to pay homage to the late Pt. Prabhakar Chari, who dedicated his life to classical music in Goa, and the eminent sitarist Pt. Yograj Naik.
The festival will be held on the 20th and 21st of September 2025 at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji, beginning at 4:00 pm on both days. Renowned artists from across the country will participate, presenting the depth and diversity of Hindustani classical music.
The first day of the festival will feature three distinct performances, each highlighting a different facet of the art form. The evening will open with a graceful dance performance by Manjushri Mate, followed by a sitar trio presented by Laxmikant Khandekar, Sadanand Amonkar and Raghuvir Fadate, whose collaborative rendition will offer audiences a unique musical dialogue. This will be followed by a soulful vocal recital by Prachala Amonkar. The first day will conclude with a sitar recital by Pt. Ravi Chary, who will be accompanied by Mandar Katti, Sarang Vechalekar, Vishal Bhurke, Kavita Lotliker and Khushi Chaugule, creating an ensemble of strings in harmony.
The second day will bring further variety and richness. It will begin with Laybandh, the percussion ensemble from the Goa College of Music, which will present a vibrant rhythmic offering. This will be followed by two independent performances — a vocal recital by Pallavi Patil and a solo harmonium recital by Dr. Manisha Kulkarni. Later in the evening, the segment Taal Vandana will showcase the artistry of Pt. Tulshidas Navelkar, Pt. Ulhas Velingkar, Shrikumar Sarjyotishi, Dr. Saish Deshpande, Dr. Rajesh Bhatkurse, Amit Bhonsle and Geetesh Mandrekar. Another highlight of the evening will be the performance Pakhawaj Shiv Tandav by Krushna Salunke and his group, with Praful Sonkamble on vocals, Dnyaneshwar Andil and Gopal Panchal on pakhawaj, and Yash Mestri on manjira, bringing a distinctive energy and rhythm to the festival.
Both days of the festival will be enriched by the support of eminent accompanists including Pt. Shubh Maharaj, Dattaraj Mhalshi, Shripad Chari, Gautami Amonkar, Wasim Khan and Srujan Bhatkurse, whose presence will add depth to the performances.
Speaking at the press conference, Pt. Ravi Chary, son and disciple of Pt. Prabhakar Chari, shared his sentiments: “Pt. Prabhakar Chari was not just my father but a great source of inspiration. Through his dedication and vision, I learned the true essence, sensitivity and depth of music. In the 1970s and 80s, through the cultural programme Swaranjali, he spread classical music across Goa and provided a platform for many renowned artists. Our constant effort are to demonstrate that, like other parts of India, Goa too has a living tradition of Hindustani classical music, and to share this heritage with tourists of Goa.”
This two-day memorial concert aims not only to pay tribute to the musical legacy of Pt. Prabhakar Chari and Pt. Yograj Naik but also to present the richness of Hindustani classical music to audiences in Goa. For connoisseurs and music lovers alike, the festival promises to be a rare and unforgettable experience.
