CM Saini pays tribute to Pandit Jasraj on death anniversary
Synopsis
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini paid tribute to Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj on his death anniversary, honouring the Mewati gharana legend whose classical music brought global recognition to Haryana's cultural heritage.
Key Takeaways
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini paid tribute to Pandit Jasraj on his death anniversary on August 17, 2026 .
Pandit Jasraj was a stalwart of the Mewati gharana of Hindustani classical music and a Padma Vibhushan awardee.
CM Saini highlighted Pandit Jasraj's roots in Haryana and his contribution to bringing the state's musical tradition to global attention.
The tribute reflects a broader pattern of Indian state leaders publicly honouring prominent cultural figures on their death anniversaries.
Pandit Jasraj's legacy spans khayal and devotional music, with a following that extended across India, North America, and Europe.
A voice that once rose from the soil of Haryana went on to fill concert halls across continents. On his death anniversary, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini paid homage to Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj, the Mewati gharana maestro whose classical music legacy continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Posting in Hindi on Monday, August 17, 2026, CM Saini wrote: 'हरियाणा की धरती से निकली सुरों की महान साधना को विश्वभर में पहचान दिलाने वाले शास्त्रीय संगीत सम्राट' — 'the emperor of classical music who brought world recognition to the great musical devotion that emerged from the land of Haryana.' He added that Pandit Jasraj's 'melodious musical practice and unparalleled musical heritage will forever remain alive in the hearts of music lovers across the world.'
Haryana's classical music legacy and Pandit Jasraj's place in it
Pandit Jasraj belonged to the Mewati gharana, one of Hindustani classical music's most storied lineages, and spent decades elevating the khayal and devotional music traditions to international prominence. He was conferred the Padma Vibhushan — India's second-highest civilian honour — in recognition of his towering contribution to the arts. His roots in Haryana have long made him a source of particular pride for the state. For Indian state governments, marking the death anniversaries of nationally significant cultural figures is a well-established practice — a way of asserting cultural continuity and honouring the artistic heritage that shapes regional identity. CM Saini's tribute fits that pattern, while also underscoring the Haryana government's identification with the state's classical arts legacy. Pandit Jasraj's music transcended borders; his recordings and performances drew devoted audiences in India, North America, and Europe alike. That global footprint is precisely what CM Saini's tribute foregrounds — framing Haryana not just as a political or agricultural heartland, but as a cradle of India's high classical tradition. The maestro's voice may have fallen silent, but the tradition he carried forward endures.Point of View
Even when no concrete initiative is announced. Whether the homage translates into sustained institutional support for classical music in Haryana is the question that will define its lasting significance.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pandit Jasraj?
Pandit Jasraj was a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist of the Mewati gharana, known for his mastery of khayal and devotional music. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to classical music.
What is Pandit Jasraj's connection to Haryana?
Pandit Jasraj had roots in Haryana, and the state regards him as one of its most distinguished cultural sons. His musical journey, which began on Haryana's soil, eventually earned him recognition across the world.
Why did CM Nayab Singh Saini pay tribute to Pandit Jasraj?
CM Nayab Singh Saini paid tribute on Pandit Jasraj's death anniversary, honouring his unparalleled contribution to classical music and his role in bringing global recognition to Haryana's cultural heritage.
What is the Mewati gharana?
The Mewati gharana is one of the prominent schools of Hindustani classical music, known for its devotional character and lyrical depth. Pandit Jasraj was its most internationally recognised exponent.
What is the Padma Vibhushan award?
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service to the nation. Pandit Jasraj received this honour in recognition of his lifelong contribution to classical music.
