The eagerly anticipated second edition of the Ragas by the River Festival is set to captivate music and culture enthusiasts once more. Taking place amidst the tranquil wilderness of Corbett, along the serene Kosi River, the festival promises a harmonious blend of Indian classical music, art, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine.
Hosted by The Riverview Retreat and Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, both part of the Leisure Hotels Group portfolio, the festival offers a luxurious three-night experience from March 21 to 24, 2025. Against the picturesque backdrop of Corbett National Park, guests will enjoy an unforgettable cultural retreat celebrating the finest in Hindustani classical music, artistic expression, and culinary delights.
Speaking about the festival, Vir Srivastava, Festival Director and Business Partner, remarked, “Ragas by the River is more than just a music festival—it is our homage to India’s rich artistic legacy and a step towards promoting cultural and music tourism. It is a celebration of creativity and nature, bringing people together to experience the transformative power of music and art.”
Echoing this sentiment, Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group, said, “Corbett’s unparalleled natural beauty makes it the perfect stage for this celebration. Our goal is to uplift the destination while preserving its cultural roots. With over 35 years of experience in hospitality, we take pride in offering personalised experiences and award-winning service at the heart of customer delight.”
A musical journey like no other
The festival’s opening night promises to enchant with a series of spellbinding performances. Shubha Mudgal’s Classical Echoes will set the tone, followed by Strings and Verses, an evocative collaboration between sitar virtuoso Purbayan and vocalist Pratibha. The night culminates with Sufi Soul by Rehmat-e-Nusrat, immersing the audience in the spiritual beauty of Sufi traditions.
Subsequent evenings will feature Rahul Sharma’s santoor mastery in Kashmir to Kosi, accompanied by Ojhas Adhiya on the tabla. This will be followed by Nritya Raga, a captivating fusion of Kaushiki Chakraborty’s melodious vocals and Bhakti Deshpande’s graceful Kathak performance. Goa’s vibrant band A26 will bring nostalgia alive with Retro Revival, blending timeless classics with contemporary energy.
An extraordinary collaboration awaits in Ninth Wave, uniting Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash (sarod) with Ustad Taufiq Qureshi (djembe and world percussion) and Vijay Ghate (tabla). The festival’s finale, Sham-E-Mehfil, will see the sensational Papon mesmerise audiences with his unique blend of traditional and contemporary music.
A feast for the senses
Beyond music, the festival offers a specially curated culinary journey, showcasing diverse flavours from Royal Rampuri, Persian, Kumaoni, and international cuisines. Each dish is crafted to reflect its origins while enhancing the riverside setting. Adding to the artistry, live painter Siddharth will create masterpieces inspired by the performances and surroundings.
For wine connoisseurs, an exquisite selection of fine wines will further elevate the dining experience, blending refinement with the festival’s enchanting atmosphere. Ragas by the River Festival 2025 promises an unparalleled cultural and sensory retreat, where art, music, nature, and hospitality converge in perfect harmony.
