Delhi Composer Earns Grammy Nod for Sounds of Kumbha Album

In a remarkable achievement, Delhi-based composer Siddhant Bhatia has earned a Grammy nomination for his album "Sounds of Kumbha." The 12-track album, commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh government, is a musical documentation of the 2024 Maha Kumbh pilgrimage that saw millions converge for a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

What makes Bhatia's nomination extra special is that his album competes in the Best Global Music Album category against renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar and her band, making it an all-Indian face-off at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Trained under Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan, Bhatia has also received a second nomination for his album "Shayan" in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category.

"I am overwhelmed. Gods and saints have blessed me on the global stage," Bhatia told TOI. The "Sounds of Kumbha" album features field recordings from the pilgrimage grounds interlaced with Indian classical music, ancient mantras, and binaural beats. Over 50 artists, including five Grammy winners, collaborated on the project, with Jim "Kimo" West and Ron Korb visiting India for the first time. The album also features contributions from violinist Kala Ramnath, pianist Charu Suri, vocalists Aditya Gadhvi and Kanika Kapoor, and Grammy nominee Madi Das, alongside spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The tracks were mixed and mastered by Grammy winner PA Deepak.