MUMBAI: The Iyer Foundation is proud to present the 11th Saadhna – Festival of Music, an exceptional celebration of India’s finest female musicians. The festival will take place on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, from 7:00 p.m. onwards at the Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park, Dadar (West), Mumbai, and promises to be an unforgettable evening of rhythm, melody, and devotion. The event is free for all.

This year’s event will showcase an extraordinary lineup of talented female artists:

Arundhati Srinivasan (Chennai) will grace the stage with a mesmerizing Bharatanatyam dance recital, blending tradition with contemporary innovation.

Veena Math (Dharwad) will present an emotive and soulful violin performance, bringing the essence of Indian classical music to life.

The festival will feature a rare Hindustani vocal jugalbandi between the immensely talented Deepika Bhide Bhagwat and Rutuja Lad from Mumbai, accompanied by harmonium virtuoso Siddarth Mesta, and tabla maestros Swapnil Bhise and Nissar Hussain Khan.

A Symphony of Dedication and Devotion

At the heart of the Saadhna Festival lies the concept of “Saadhna” – a term that speaks to the deep, disciplined practice and spiritual commitment of every true artist. For the women featured in this festival, music is more than just performance; it is a lifelong journey of self-surrender to the cosmic vibrations of naad. The Saadhna Festival celebrates this rare dedication, embodied by women who have devoted their lives to mastering their art forms and sharing them with the world.

Empowering Female Artists: The Mission of Saadhna

Over the past two decades, women have shattered barriers in fields traditionally dominated by men, excelling in instruments such as the Tabla, Pakhawaj, and Sarangi. Dr. Jyoti Iyer, Trustee of the Iyer Foundation, states, “The Saadhna Festival was born out of a desire to spotlight these remarkable women, who have carved a space for themselves in Indian classical music through sheer determination and talent. We provide them with the platform they deserve and the recognition their talent commands.”

About Iyer Foundation

Established in 2003, the Iyer Foundation is dedicated to promoting Indian classical music and dance. It supports both emerging and senior musicians through performance opportunities, financial aid, and medical assistance. Since 2013, the Saadhna Festival has been exclusively devoted to celebrating female musicians, providing them with a stage to showcase their immense talent. Over the years, the festival has featured legendary artists such as Debopriya and Suchishmita Chatterji (Flute Sisters), Hetal Mehta, Sangeeta Agnihotri, Shruti Sadolikar, Apoorva Gokhale, and Kalapini Komkali, among many others.

Join Us for a Night to Remember

The 11th Saadhna – Festival of Music promises an extraordinary evening of music and dance, led by India’s finest female artists. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness their mastery and devotion, as they fill the night with the soul-stirring sounds of India’s classical tradition.

Quotes from the Artists

Rutuja Lad (Vocalist):

"It is an honour to perform at the 11th edition of the Saadhna Festival, organized by the Iyer Foundation. The opportunity to engage in sahgaayan with Deepika Bhide Bhagwat allows us to exchange and share musical ideas, inspiring each other as we collaboratively paint the canvas of a raaga. I am equally delighted to share the stage with Swapnil Bhise on tabla and Siddarth Mesta on harmonium, making this experience even more enriching."

Deepika Bhide Bhagwat (Vocalist):

"Performing with Rutuja Lad, who shares the same gharana roots, is a truly enriching experience. It allows us to delve into the nuances of our shared tradition while bringing our expressions to the forefront. The Saadhna Festival provides the perfect stage to celebrate this artistic synergy, supported by the exceptional artistry of Swapnil Bhise on tabla and Siddarth Mesta on harmonium. I look forward to this musical dialogue, which promises to be both reflective and exhilarating."

Veena Math (Violinist):

"I am truly grateful to perform at the Iyer Foundation's 11th Saadhna Music Festival, an event dedicated to empowering women who have carved a unique niche in the Indian classical tradition. This platform gives me the cherished opportunity to carry forward the legacy of my parents and mentors—renowned violinists Pt. B. S. Math and Vidushi Akkamahadevi Math—and the rich heritage of the Veereshwar Punyashram Parampara, Gadag. My deepest gratitude to the Iyer Foundation for their unwavering support in celebrating remarkable women achievers and ensuring the continued flourishing of Indian classical music. Through my rendition, I endeavor to present the rich heritage of Veereshwar Punyashram to the esteemed audience.”

Dr. Arundhati Srinivasan (Bharatanatyam Dancer):

"I am deeply honoured to perform at the prestigious Saadhna Festival, where I have the privilege of presenting a diverse array of authentic choreographies passed down by my esteemed teachers. This festival has been a platform for many distinguished artists, and it is truly a privilege to perform for such a discerning and enlightened audience."