Indian classical music gatherings are making a comeback with a modern twist

In a world dominated by digital distractions and blink-and-you-miss-it moments, the revival of mehfils and baithaks is bringing back the magic of intimate classical music gatherings. Once the beating heart of India’s artistic heritage, these immersive gatherings are making a stylish comeback, drawing audiences both young and old. Through the efforts of curators, artists, and cultural tastemakers, classical music is proving it's anything but a thing of the past—it's more alive, evolving, and thriving now more than ever.

Bazaar India dives into this renaissance with the founders of Raw Mango and IBTIDA—two brands that are leading from the front by curating gatherings that take audiences back to the time when such events were popular—along with music icons Usha Uthup and Rekha Bhardwaj to explore what is making audiences fall in love with the art form all over again. 

The Traditional Setup: An Immersive Experience

Unlike the detached, screen-driven world of digital entertainment, mehfils and baithaks pull you in—rich, intimate, and steeped in reverence for the art. The experience begins long before the first note is played. As Anubhav Jain, co-curator of Ibtida-Ek-Mehfil, explains, “Every experience of ours (a mehfil) is a world within itself, thoughtfully designed not just to be seen but to be felt, inhaled, and remembered.” The ambience of the gathering is carefully crafted, from the colours, textures, and scents that fill the space to the oil lamps and chandeliers that flicker softly, creating a sense of anticipation. “The scent of rose, the flicker of oil lamps, or the chandeliers—the hush of anticipation—every element is intentional, immersive, unforgettable,” Jain adds.

The act of gathering itself binds the experience to heritage traditions. Jain explains, “What we are reviving is not just the art, but the reverence for it. A mehfil is not a performance but a conversation—a shared breath, a moment suspended in time.” This return to the sacred nature of live art—where presence and attention are paramount—is what distinguishes these gatherings from the distractions of modern-day life.

A Modern Revival: The Audience and Cultural Shifts

The appeal of these gatherings goes beyond nostalgia; they represent a cultural revival and a return to experiences that are deeply rooted in tradition yet continuously evolving. The mehfil has transcended its classical origins, now incorporating a wide range of music genres and interactive experiences that draw in younger generations. As the iconic Usha Uthup observes, “They realise that it's not just classical; they can get different kinds of music and conversations to engage with the audience.” 

The attendees are as diverse as the gatherings themselves, with seasoned connoisseurs continuing to attend, but also a noticeable rise in younger listeners. Anubhav Jain notes, “Today, while a fair number of our audience remain our early patrons, we have seen a growing presence of younger listeners (25+), who now make up nearly 40 per cent of our gatherings.” This shift signifies that mehfils have become a platform for rediscovering cultural roots in a modern context.

Tanvi Singh Bhatia, curator at Ibtida-Ek-Mehfil, emphasises how these gatherings appeal to the discerning audience of cities like Mumbai. “Our recent experience in Bombay was overwhelming, I personally love the city and find the audience disciplined and coming purely for the arts and the music,” says Tanvi. “It’s so lovely to see breaking the patterns of playing not only the famous ghazals & Bollywood songs but also educating the audience with Thumri Dadra & ghazal recitals.” This shift shows a clear intent to expand the listener’s knowledge and appreciation of Indian classical music beyond the familiar.

The Revival: Authenticity Meets Innovation

The revival of mehfils and baithaks is not about simply preserving the past, but about innovating within the bounds of tradition. According to Sanjay Garg, founder of Raw Mango, the mehfil has evolved with time, just as any cultural form must. “There’s no such thing as a set-up for a baithak; I think it evolves with time. I’m sure the first baithak must have been in the caves, or rock-cut temples or a cow dung house or a haveli or darbar,” says Garg. Yet, despite these changes, he stresses, “It’s for everyone to participate, feel happy—that’s what matters.” For Garg, the essence of a mehfil is in its adaptability, allowing it to remain relevant to modern audiences while still respecting its traditional roots.

Tanvi Singh Bhatia reflects on how each event is carefully designed to balance the artist’s performance with the curatorial decisions. “We often come with a preconceived notion of the known songs, but [it's also about] how the artist flows and along with our programming, balances the mehfil or baithak.” The intention behind such gatherings is not merely to put on a performance but to offer an experience where audiences feel they are part of something larger than the music itself.

Jain echoes the sentiment, adding, “Every guest is known, every arrival acknowledged, every path guided not merely towards a seat but into a story.” This level of attention to detail ensures that these gatherings are about more than just music—they are a shared moment of participation in a community.

Future Outlook: A Cultural Movement

Looking ahead, the future of mehfils and baithaks remains vibrant. Both Raw Mango and IBTIDA are already planning to expand the scope of their gatherings, integrating various facets of Indian culture, from culinary delights to art and architecture. Jain teases, “Yes, we do plan to stir the wheel this season in 2025. The IBTIDA tree is not only about mehfils and baithaks. We are celebrating all things India—culinary, art, and architecture in a massive way.” There are also plans to bring Western productions to India, further enhancing the diversity of these gatherings.

For Usha Uthup, the potential is limitless. “The way these shows are curated is exquisite. For me, it’s different because I get to sing to a select audience that is so diverse—young, middle-aged, and very senior. It covers the entire 55 years of my career.” This diversity of both age and experience within the audience contributes to the richness of the gathering, making each performance unique and unforgettable.

Ultimately, the revival of mehfils and baithaks is more than just a nostalgic return to the past—it is a reclamation of live Indian music experiences for the modern world. By fostering intimate, immersive environments that celebrate the tradition of Indian classical music, these gatherings are breathing new life into a cherished art form and ensuring its relevance for generations to come.

Images: Raw Mango and Ibtida

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