Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to inaugurate fest at KSOU Convocation Hall 

Mysuru: The Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha Festival 2024, dedicated to celebrating Karnataka’s rich musical and cultural heritage, will take place from Nov. 8 to 10 at the Karnataka State Open University Convocation Hall in city.

The festival aims to showcase the vibrant traditions of the State, particularly its deep-rooted connection to Karnatak music.

At a press conference held this morning at Mayura Hoysala Hotel on JLB Road here, D. Venkatesan, Regional Director of India Tourism (South), highlighted that the festival is organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi. The event aims to position Mysuru as a premier destination for music lovers from India and around the world.

“This festival will shine a light on Mysuru as a centre of the timeless traditions of Karnatak music,” Venkatesan stated. This marks the second edition of the festival, following the inaugural event held last year in Vijayawada. Union Finance Minister Nirmala  Sitharaman is set to inaugurate the festival on Nov. 8, alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other dignitaries.

Focus on Dasa tradition

The Ministry of Tourism emphasised that this celebration presents an excellent opportunity to promote lesser-known destinations around Mysuru, revealing the region’s scenic landscapes, historical temples and hidden cultural treasures for travellers seeking unique experiences. By showcasing these gems, the Ministry hopes to stimulate regional tourism growth and support                                                            local communities.

A special highlight of the festival will be a tribute to the Dasa Tradition, a significant influence in the evolution of Karnatak music. The contributions of the Dasas have profoundly shaped this classical art form, making Mysuru a fitting venue to honour these timeless musical legacies.

To generate excitement and foster community engagement across Karnataka, the Ministry has organised a series of pre-festival events featuring  Karnatak  musicians.

These events were held on Nov. 2 at four culturally significant locations: the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Bengaluru, Ramamandiram in Rudrapatna and Sri Aprameyaswamy Temple in Doddamallur.

Festival background

Mysuru has historically served as a vital hub for Karnatak music, nurturing renowned musicians and significantly contributing to the cultural landscape of South India.

The festival seeks to honour this legacy while highlighting the region’s ongoing contributions to India’s cultural richness. It will blend traditional Karnatak performances with modern interpretations and feature discussions by museologists, showcasing both established and emerging talent to introduce new audiences to this celebrated genre.

Joint Director of Tourism Department M.K. Savitha, Assistant Director Prabhuswamy, Assistant Director of School Education Department A.B. Nagendra Prasad, Kannada and Culture Department Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Assistant Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, University of Mysore NSS Officer Dr. Ningaraju and Assistant Director of Department of Information and Public Relations T.K. Harish were present at the press conference.

Key features include food, music workshops, handicrafts and art

The festival will present live performances by distinguished Karnatak musicians alongside emerging talent, creating a rich and varied musical lineup over three days.

In addition, the event will feature exhibitions showcasing Karnataka’s traditional handicrafts and textiles, such as Mysore Silk and sandalwood carvings, organised in collaboration with the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts and Handlooms. The Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru, will provide an authentic culinary experience featuring  Karnataka cuisine.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops led by artists, focusing on Karnatak music, music composition and regional crafts, fostering active engagement and education.