Events
The Sitar Ramarao Utsav, a music festival is a tribute that celebrates Pandit N.R. Rama Rao’s life, music and his contribution to the popularisation of Hindustani classical music in Karnataka.
Pandit Rama Rao dedicated his life selflessly to the promotion of the Sitar in Karnataka. His life which has been an inspirational journey as much as his contribution to the cultural fabric of Karnataka needs to be duly acknowledged. It is with this thought that Pandit Rama Rao’s family and disciples from across the globe have come together to celebrate his life and the everlasting values he stood for.
Initiated by N.R.Rama Rao’s son, Pandit Shubhendra Rao, along with his family and disciples of Pandit N.R. Rama Rao , the “Sitar Ramarao Utsav” is organized through the “Shubhendra and Saskia Rao Foundation”. The inaugural event was held on November 30, 2024 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall.
Upcoming Event
We warmly invite you to Sitar Ramarao Utsav 2026 — the 99th year — celebrating the life and music of Pandit N. R. Rama Rao.
Date and time: Saturday, 5 December 2026 at 6:00 pm
Venue: Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru.
This year’s artists include Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar (Sarod), Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri (Tabla) and Vidushi Suma Sudhindra (Veena). The very first edition sold out two months in advance — a first in Chowdiah’s history — so do book early.
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased from BookMyShow
If you would like to support this legacy more closely by becoming a Friend of the Utsav, simply write to admin@sangeet4all.com.
Past Events
Sitar Ramarao Utsav 2025
The programme began with the disciples of Pandit Rama Rao forming an ensemble and paying a tribute to their Guru by performing a composition by Pandit Shubhendra Rao. This was followed by Maestro Saskia Rao-de Haas on her Indian Cello with the young star Ishaan Ghosh accompanying her on the Tabla. The evening concluded with a vocal performance by the legendary musician Padmasri Shubha Mudgal, accompanied on the Tabla by Dr. Aneesh Pradhan and Pandit Sudhir Nayak on the Harmonium.
Date and time: November 28, 2025, 6:00 pm
Venue: Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru
Glimpses from Sitar Ramarao Utsav 2025
Sitar Ramarao Utsav 2024
This event was widely covered in the press. A few articles from the press are listed below:
Deccan Herald – Tribute to Sitarist N R Rama Rao
Glimpses from Sitar Ramarao Utsav 2024
