Home / Arts and Entertainment / Nashik Temple: A 135-Year Haven for Classical Music
Nashik Temple: A 135-Year Haven for Classical Music
24 Sep
Summary
- The 135-year-old temple uniquely promotes classical music.
- It preserves a continuous tradition of devotional classical singing.
- Young artists are actively performing and attending classical music events.
In Nashik, the 135-year-old Ganesh Mandir on Main Road stands as a unique bastion of classical music, preserving the ancient tradition of Gaanseva, or devotional classical singing. Built in 1891, the temple is managed by the Ganeshbhakta Mandali Trust on a non-commercial basis, with musicians performing for devotion rather than fees.
The temple actively cultivates classical music appreciation, especially among the youth, who are increasingly engaged with both vocal and instrumental performances. Secretary Sandeep Kulkarni noted that emerging artists are stepping forward to perform classical music during temple events.
While short classical music sessions occur every Thursday night, the main festivities take place during the five-day Bhadrapad Ganeshotsav and Maghi Ganeshotsav festivals. These events feature classical music performances running late into the night and early morning, drawing participants from across Maharashtra.
Throughout its history, the temple has hosted legendary classical musicians such as Ustad Bismillah Khan and Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. The Trust, headed by Ujjwala Dixit, ensures open, cost-free access to world-class classical music, nurturing an appreciative audience across generations and even allowing artists practice time.
