President hosts G20 leaders: 3-hour instrumental dinner performance

In a remarkable cultural showcase, leaders of the G20 summit will be treated to an unprecedented three-hour instrumental music performance during a dinner hosted by the President of India. This extraordinary event, designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India, will take place on September 9.

The “Bharat-Vadya-Darshanam” (musical journey of India) performance is being organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture. It will feature 78 instrumentalists from across the country, including 11 children, 13 women, 7 differently abled (Divyang) artists, 26 young men, and 21 seniors.

What sets this musical ensemble apart is its diverse composition, with 34 Hindustani instruments, 18 Carnatic instruments, and 40 folk instruments representing various Indian states. The performance will be a fusion of different musical styles, offering a unique opportunity for G20 leaders to experience the cultural depth of India.

The three-hour performance, scheduled from 6 pm to 9 pm, will showcase a wide array of traditional instruments, including Vedic musical instruments, tribal instruments, folk instruments, and classical instruments. The participating musicians, each representing different regions of India, will perform in their traditional attire.

The performance will feature various instrument categories such as string instruments, instruments with membranes, wind instruments, and metal instruments. Rare instruments like Surbahar, Jaltarang, Naltarang, Vichitra Veena, Rudra Veena, Saraswati Veena, Dhangli, Sundri, Bhapang, and Dilruba will be prominently featured.

As a symbolic gesture, all the artists will perform the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” song at the conclusion of the performance, echoing the theme of G20, which promotes global unity. Additionally, the artists will deliver a musical rendition of the iconic “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” song.