Picture this: a luxurious weekend at the stunning ITC Grand Goa Resort and Spa, where the air is thick with the scent of the sea and the soul-stirring sounds of India’s finest musicians. That’s precisely what Malhar & The Sea delivered—an event that was more than just a concert; it was a musical voyage that left everyone feeling enchanted, rejuvenated, and deeply inspired.
Organized by Showhouse and presented by DBS, Malhar & The Sea wasn’t your typical music festival. Imagine being part of an intimate gathering where only 400 fortunate guests were treated to performances that felt like private serenades. Each note played, each song sung, carried the weight of centuries of Indian musical tradition, yet felt as fresh and vibrant as the ocean breeze.
The festival’s lineup was nothing short of legendary. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a living icon of Indian classical music, shared the stage with a brushstroke of genius—literally. As his music flowed, the renowned artist Paresh Maity captured the moment on canvas, creating a masterpiece that was later auctioned for a noble cause. Talk about art imitating life!
But the magic didn’t stop there. The festival showcased the incredible Kaushiki Chakraborty, whose vocals, steeped in the Patiala gharana tradition, danced alongside the delicate strings of Purbayan Chatterjee’s sitar. It was a duet that felt like a conversation between old friends—intimate, profound, and deeply moving.
And then there were Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, whose performance of Songs of the River took the audience on a journey from the Himalayas to the seas, blending the rustic charm of Indian folk with the depth of classical music. Their music was a river, flowing seamlessly from one note to the next, carrying the listeners along on a current of pure emotion.
The festival also celebrated diversity with performances by Sufi Qawwal Shivam Bhardwaj, the King of Rock Gary Lawyer, UK’s Pop Queen Kaiya Maxfield, and the soulful Fado singer Nadia Rebelo. Each brought their own flavor to the festival, proving that music knows no boundaries.
The event wasn’t just about the performances, though. It was about creating an experience—a weekend where luxury, music, and culture intertwined. The guests were pampered with world-class hospitality, indulging in exquisite cuisine and sipping on expertly crafted cocktails by celebrity mixologist Beckaly Franks. It was an atmosphere where connections were made, conversations flowed, and memories were forged.
And let’s not forget the whisky! The Glenlivet, celebrating its 200-year legacy, brought their Caribbean Reserve collection to the event—a whisky with a tropical twist that perfectly matched the festival’s coastal vibe. Longitude 77, an Indian Single Malt named after the longitude that runs through India, added a distinctly Indian touch, reminding everyone of the rich cultural heritage they were celebrating.
Beautifully hosted by Ira Dubey, who added her own touch of elegance and warmth to the proceedings, Malhar & The Sea was a feast for the senses. It was a festival that didn’t just entertain; it moved, inspired, and connected. For those who missed it, following Malhar & The Sea on social media might be the next best thing, but nothing will ever quite compare to the magic of being there.
So, here’s to Malhar & The Sea—a festival that proved that in a world dominated by the sounds of the West, India’s music still reigns supreme, capturing hearts and souls with every note.