Gandhinagar, Nov 21 (NationPress) The much-anticipated Tana-Riri music festival, an annual celebration of Gujarat's rich classical music heritage, is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tomorrow in Vadnagar, located in the Mehsana district. This year, the esteemed classical vocalist Kalapini Komkali will receive the Tana-Riri Music Honour Award.

The festival spans two days, kicking off on Saturday with an exciting lineup of evening performances featuring classical vocal and instrumental music along with folk genres, showcasing the talents of renowned artists.

On the festival's second day, Pravin Mali, the Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Transport, will grace the event as the chief guest.

Established in 2003 by the then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the festival is organized annually by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department to honor the timeless legacy of the legendary sisters Tana and Riri.

The music honor award was first presented in 2010. The upcoming festival's highlights include classical performances by Kalapini Komkali, instrumental showcases by Niladri Kumar, and folk acts by Ishani Dave during the initial evening.

On the following day, audiences can look forward to performances by classical vocalist Dr Subhadra Desai, instrumentalist Ninad Adhikari and team, along with folk artist Parth Oza and his troupe.

This festival commemorates the significant contributions of Tana and Riri, who are the granddaughters of poet-saint Narsinh Mehta's daughter Sharmistha, earning a cherished place in Gujarat's musical legacy.

According to legend, their exceptional skill in Malhar raag was said to alleviate the heat caused by Tansen'sDeepak raag.

Their unwavering dedication to music and their sacrifices are honored each year at their samadhi site in Vadnagar, where the festival has been held since its inception.

In addition, Gujarat is preparing to host Spatak Classical, a vibrant homage to India's diverse classical music tradition, enriching the state's cultural calendar.

This festival promises to unite acclaimed vocalists, instrumentalists, and up-and-coming artists in a series of performances that will showcase the depth of both Hindustani and Carnatic styles.

Spatak Classical aspires to deliver an immersive musical experience to audiences, further solidifying Gujarat’s status as a dynamic center for classical arts alongside flagship events like the Tana-Riri Mahotsav.