Corbett, Uttarakhand, Feb 20 : Over the last two seasons, Ragas by the River has evolved into something far more than a music festival. It has become a space of quiet discovery, where music unfolds at its own pace, where artistes and audiences connect deeply, and where nature becomes a silent companion to every raga.
Ragas by the River – one of India’s most prestigious residential classical music festival returns for its much anticipated third edition. Held from 20–22 March 2026, this season embraces the theme Celebrating Legacies- honouring the gharanas, maestros and timeless traditions that continue to define Indian classical music.
“What makes this festival truly unique is its passionately curated, intimate experience – where some of India’s finest classical musicians perform in settings that elevate both artists and audiences, amid the serene beauty of nature and the breathtaking Corbett landscape. The festival is a harmonious confluence of soulful music and the gracious hospitality of The Riverview Retreat & Taj Corbett Resort & Spa. Season 3 is a thoughtfully curated edition, Celebrating Legacies, honouring the legends of yesteryears who have shaped Indian classical and allied genres of our rich musical heritage,” says Vir Srivastava, Festival Director & Promoter.
Ragas by the River 2026 opens with a historic moment as the festival presents its prestigious Ragas by the River Legend Award to the sarod maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, while also honouring another living legend, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
The festival begins with Sadaa-e-Sarod, a rare multi-generational sarod ensemble featuring Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, Zohaan, and Abeer, followed by Mehfil-e-Yaadgar, a soulful tribute to ghazal greats Mehdi Hasan, Jagjit Singh, and Ghulam Ali by Prithvi Gandharv and Meenal Jain.
Highlights include Remembering the Divas, with Kaushiki Chakraborty paying homage to iconic voices such as Begum Akhtar, Gauhar Jaan, Noor Jehan, M.S. Subbulakshmi, Kishori Amonkar, and Shobha Gurtu, and Parampara, celebrating the Etawah–Imdadkhani Gharana with sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez and Shakir Khan.
The final day features an exceptional collaboration between flautist Rakesh Chaurasia and percussion maestro Taufiq Qureshi, celebrating the enduring Chaurasia legacy and the lineage of Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain.
The festival culminates with the legendary Hariharan in a specially curated performance titled “A Timeless Journey,” offering heartfelt tributes to the masters who shaped his musical path.
Morning concerts titled The Awakening, set along the banks of the Kosi River, feature Purbayan Chatterjee & Ensemble, and Armaan Khan of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana, honouring his late father Ustad Rashid Khan.
The late-night sessions feature the Kutle Khan Ensemble, showcasing rich Indian folk, Sufi, and classical traditions, followed by a high-energy post-dinner performance by Band A-26, bringing a lively, retro vibe that invites guests to dance to timeless hits from yesteryears.
The festival will be hosted by Shekhar Suman, the versatile actor, anchor producer and director- Master of Ceremonies accompanied by the famous Suchitra Pillai, guiding audiences through a thoughtfully curated celebration of heritage, mastery and living legacy.
Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group, said,
“Ragas by the River goes beyond being a music festival; it reflects our belief in nurturing and sustaining India’s cultural and natural legacy. By hosting maestros and evolving traditions in the serene landscape of Corbett, we create meaningful, immersive cultural experiences rooted in a sense of place. At the heart of this endeavour lies our continued commitment to heartfelt, award-winning service for every guest.”
Presented by The Riverview Retreat, with Taj Corbett Resort & Spa as its hospitality partner, the festival’s warm hospitality is thoughtfully designed to enhance the intimacy of every performance. Guests are treated to a rich culinary spread inspired by Kumaoni traditions, Rampuri Royal cuisine, and international and Pan-Asian flavours, with memorable riverside breakfasts and open-air dining experiences. The result is a culinary journey that echoes the spirit of Ragas by the River- authentic, immersive, and deeply memorable.
This season, Ragas by the River is privileged to have TATA AIA Life Insurance and TATA Capital come on board as Patrons of the festival. Their association reflects a shared commitment to nurturing India’s rich cultural heritage and adds significant strength and stature to the festival, underscoring the growing resonance and credibility of Ragas by the River as a leading platform for Indian classical music that fosters meaningful engagement between art, community, and responsible corporate participation.
Varun Srivastava, Festival Co-Director & Partner, said,
“The third edition of Ragas by the River marks a truly meaningful milestone for us. The growing support from audiences, patrons, and partners is deeply encouraging and reaffirms our vision of blending the rich legacy of Indian classical music with luxury hospitality. As we prepare to welcome guests from across India and overseas, we look forward to another year of experiencing the timeless virtuosity of the maestros amidst the majestic landscapes of Corbett National Park.”
Ragas by the River continues to stand apart for its seamless integration of classical arts with nature, creating a truly immersive cultural experience. Since bookings opened, the response has been overwhelming, with the festival now nearing a complete sell-out.