06/09/2026
Swarabhishek – A Musical Tribute to Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki
The Department of Music, University of Mumbai, in collaboration with Kala Coast, organised “Swarabhishek”, a special musical tribute to the legendary Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, on 2nd September 2026.
The programme brought together distinguished disciples of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki and reflected the depth, diversity and continuity of the musical tradition nurtured by him. The audience had the privilege of listening to memorable vocal recitals by Shri Mahadev Pednekar, Pt. Hemant Pendse, Shri Shounak Abhisheki and Pt. Raja Kale. Each artist brought a distinctive musical expression while carrying forward the rich legacy of the Guru-Shishya tradition.
The programme was further enriched by the presence of many senior and well-known disciples of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki in the audience, along with his daughter, Ms. Mekhala Abhisheki-Khadikar. Their presence made the occasion a particularly meaningful gathering of those closely associated with his life, music and enduring legacy.
The occasion was graced by distinguished guests including veteran Tabla maestro Pt. Rajendra Antarkar ji, renowned vocalist Vidushi Archana Kanhere ji, and Abhangratna Shri Ganesh Kumar ji. Their gracious presence added to the dignity of the programme.
A particularly significant moment was the felicitation of Pt. Arun Kashalkar. Pt. Raja Kale, on behalf of the disciples of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, felicitated Pt. Kashalkar as a respected senior Guru in Hindustani classical music. Thereafter, Dr. Maneesha Kulkarni, Head, Department of Music, felicitated him on behalf of the Department on receiving the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The performances were enriched by the sensitive accompaniment of Shri Subhash Kamat, Pt. Sudhir Nayak, Shri Abhay Datar and Shri Shridhar Bhat.
The proceedings of the programme were gracefully conducted by Ms. Jayshree Patil, Research Scholar, during the first half, and by Dr. Atindra Sarawdikar, Assistant Professor, during the latter half.
The Department of Music, University of Mumbai, expresses its sincere gratitude to Kala Coast, all the performing and accompanying artists, distinguished guests, senior disciples of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, teaching and non-teaching staff, research scholars, students and music lovers whose presence, support and cooperation contributed to the success of “Swarabhishek”.