The Swara Samrat Festival (SSF) is one of India’s most prestigious festivals of Indian classical music and dance, held annually in Kolkata since 2013. Organised by the Shree Ranjani Foundation Trust, the festival was started by Sarod maestro Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, his wife Manasi Majumder, and their son Indrayuddh Majumder. It pays tribute to Sarod legend Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and also honours Pandit Ravi Shankar, two of the greatest icons of Indian classical music.
From a humble 2-day event, it has grown into a 4-day mega festival featuring top classical musicians and dancers from all over India. The festival not only showcases legends but also supports young talents, celebrating the rich tradition of Indian classical arts.
Festival Seasons at a Glance:
Season 1 (2013) – The grand beginning with Zakir Hussain, Shivkumar Sharma, Birju Maharaj, and others.
Season 2 (2014) – Featured Shankar Mahadevan, U. Shrinivas, Rashid Khan, V. Selvaganesh.
Season 3 – Included Bombay Jayashri, Malavika Sarukkai, Purbayan Chatterjee, and many more.
Season 4 (2016) – Performances by Birju Maharaj, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Girija Devi.
Season 5 – Continued tradition of excellence.
Season 6 (2017) – Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia, Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, and others.
Season 7 – Maintained high standards.
Season 8 (2019–20) – Featured Tejendra Majumdar–Zakir Hussain jugalbandi, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Kumar Bose.
Season 9 –
Season 10 (2022–23) – 100th birth centenary of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, held across Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
Season 11 – Life Time Achievement Award to Pt. Amiya Ranjan Bandopadhyay, the brilliance of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Vidushi N Rajam, Vid. Kalapani Komkali in Kolkata.
Season 12 (2024) – Dedicated to Ustad Zakir Hussain's memory; featured Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Sajan Mishra, and more.
