Indian Classical music is as rich and diverse as our nation. It is one of the defining elements of the celebrated Indian Heritage.

Many of India’s rulers - the benevolent Kings and Nawabs, were patrons of Indian art, especially Indian Music. Historically, the concept of Music Festivals has come from the courts of some of these fascinating royals.

To this day, winter in India heralds a long list of sonorous Classical Music Festivals. The keenest music aficionados from across the globe throng these concerts. Most of these festivals are either ticket-free or priced nominally. These are august gatherings of the venerable Pandits and Ustads from the world of Indian Classical Music. They peform with young and upcoming talent, to encourage them.

Here is our list of 5 prestigious Indian Classical Music concerts that you can plan for this winter in India:

Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan Music Festival

[caption id="attachment_3359" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pic courtesy: Jasleen Kaur (originally posted to Flickr as tabla) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption][dropshadowbox align="none" effect="lifted-both" width="auto" height="" background_color="#ffffff" border_width="1" border_color="#dddddd" ]

When:Last week of December(usually between 25th -28th Dec)

Where: Jalandhar, Punjab

Entry: Free

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Baba Harivallabh started one of the oldest Indian Classical Music Festival, in the year 1857. In the course of its 140 years history, the festival has seen almost all musical stalwarts from India and Pakistan performing. The Sammelan started as Baba Harivallabh’s homage to his late Guru. So, till date, Havan (Fire Worship) is performed at the beginning of the festival. True to its historic roots, this festival has refused to embrace modern auditoriums,  and prefers to stick to the traditional Baithak style, where the performers and listeners often sit together on open ground. Gurus are given elevated seats as a sign of respect. Pandit Vishnu Digamber Puluskar, started a tradition that is followed till date in this festival - every year, the festival culminates in a group rendition of the National Song, Vande Mataram. Every artist and guest joins in, making the experience a surreal one.

Tyagaraja Aradhana

[caption id="attachment_3360" align="aligncenter" width="759"] Pic courtesy: সায়ন্তন ভট্টাচার্য্য (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption][dropshadowbox align="none" effect="lifted-both" width="auto" height="" background_color="#ffffff" border_width="1" border_color="#dddddd" ]

When :Jan 13-Jan 17 2017

Where:  Thiruvaiyaru near Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu

Entry: Free

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This music concert, in its present format, is less than a hundred years old. But, it started as an “Aradhana” 170 years ago. The concert is dedicated to Saint Thyagaraja, who is one of the greatest exponents of Carnatic music. Shri Thyagaraja attained Samadhi(passed away) in the Hindu month of Paush (Jan). The festival happens around this time. On the Thyagaraja Aradhana festival day, hundreds of Carnatic musicians pay their homage to the Saint by rendering his ‘Pancharathna Kritis’ in a chorus at his samadhi at Thiruvaiyaru.

Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh

[caption id="attachment_3362" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pic courtesy: Suyash.dwivedi (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption][dropshadowbox align="none" effect="lifted-both" width="auto" height="" background_color="#ffffff" border_width="1" border_color="#dddddd" ]

When: Usually 3 days around November 30th every year

Where: Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad ( The venue changes based on availability)

Entry: Free

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Currently, in its 44th year, this music concert is both royal and homely at the same time. Sang Martand Pandit Jasraj started this yearly concert in Hyderabad, in honor of his late father, Pt Motiram. The story goes that his father died 5 hrs before he was to be appointed the court musician of the then Nawab of Hyderabad. So, although the famous Jasraj clan is based out of Mumbai, it is their love for the city of Hyderabad, that brings them back every year to gift the divine beauty of melody. True to their passion for promoting new talent, every year the organizers hold a competition. The winners get the prestigious opportunity to share the stage and perform with the stalwarts!

ITC SRA Sangeet Sammelan

[caption id="attachment_3361" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Pic courtesy: Google.com [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption][dropshadowbox align="none" effect="lifted-both" width="auto" height="" background_color="#ffffff" border_width="1" border_color="#dddddd" ]

When : 2nd, 3rd, 4th Dec 2016

Where: To be announced

Entry: Need to purchase tickets

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The ITC group of companies started the ITC Sangeet Research Academy Sangeet Sammelan (started as ITC Sangeet Sammelan), in Delhi in 1971. It became an instant hit. Since then, fans of classical music are very fond of this conference. Over the last 45 years, this festival has featured the reigning monarchs of Indian Classical Music. This festival also supports the elderly musicians by presenting cash assistance, and recognition.

The Dover Lane Music Conference

[caption id="attachment_3363" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pic courtesy: Koulik Bhattacharjee (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption][dropshadowbox align="none" effect="lifted-both" width="auto" height="" background_color="#ffffff" border_width="1" border_color="#dddddd" ]

When: 22nd to 25th  January’2017.

Where:  Usually Nazrul Mancha, Kolkata

Entry: Can purchase season/individual tickets.

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This is, undoubtedly, one of the most prestigious music festivals of not only India, but the world. The festival boasts of a full house and a global audience, year on year, without fail.  The aura and the passion for music is palpable in the venue. Currently in its 66th year, this music festival started in the musically rich neighborhood of Dover Lane in Kolkata. Owing to its popularity, it has now been shifted to a bigger, open air auditorium.The festival lasts for 4-5 days, each day commencing in the evening and continuing till the wee hours of the morning. Like other festivals associated with Kolkata, you get to celebrate food along with Music, interact with the artists, and interact with one of the most knowledgeable music lovers of the world. Hence, not just for the crowds, this festival is something even the artists look forward to.

So, book yourself a musical extravaganza and land up in one of these mega celebrations of music, this winter. Did we miss anything? Comment below or write to us at editor@blankslatechronicles.com

Update: As our readers have pointed out, this list is in no way exhaustive. It is only a sample of all the enthralling musical experiences that await enthusiasts in India in the cold seasons. There have been mentions of the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav (Pune), Sabrang Utsav (Delhi), Sree Navami Celebration of Fort High School (Bangalore), Shri Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (Benaras) - all of which are equally delectable