“Dance of Ragas” invites audiences into the vibrant soul of Indian classical music and dance, as they come together in a powerful and harmonious dialogue. At the heart of this unique performance is the Sarod, a revered classical string instrument, known for its deep and resonant tones it brings to the intricate melodies of ragas. Ragas are known as the musical expressions that evoke specific moods, times of day, and inner landscapes. For the very first time, Mauritian audiences will witness the Sarod live on stage—an instrument rarely, if ever, played on the island—making this an unforgettable cultural moment.
Accompanying the Sarod is the Tabla, the rhythmic backbone of Indian classical performance. With its complex cycles and dynamic beats, the Tabla not only grounds the music but propels it, guiding both musician and dancer. Vocal artistry also plays a vital role in “Dance of Ragas.” The presence of a classical vocalist, bringing forth Sahitya, the poetic and lyrical content of Indian music and adds yet another layer of expression. In Indian classical tradition, the voice is considered the purest instrument.
In perfect harmony with the Sarod’s melodies and the Tabla’s rhythms, Kathak, one of India’s most graceful and ancient dance forms, takes the stage. Known for its rhythmic footwork, expressive storytelling, and elegant spins, each gesture, every spin, and each intricate step mirrors the mood and emotion conveyed by the music. In “Dance of Ragas,” the Sarod does not merely play; it converses with the dancer. The Kathak performer listens deeply to the notes and rhythms, responding through movement in a dialogue that is both visual and sonic.
“Dance of Ragas” is a celebration of the profound connection between music and movement, tradition and innovation. It offers a rare opportunity for Mauritian audiences to engage with Indian classical art forms in their purest and most immersive expression—a powerful meeting of sound, rhythm, and motion that reflects the spiritual and emotional depth of the ragas themselves.
Arnab Bhattacharya is a distinguished Indian Classical musician and accomplished Computer Science and Engineering professional, renowned for his mastery of the Sarod, one of Indian music’s most expressive string instruments. His musical journey began at a young age under the guidance of his father, Mr. Swapan Bhattacharya, and flourished under the tutelage of the legendary Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta, a doyen of the Senia Shahjahanpur Gharana. Through years of dedicated training, Arnab has developed a distinctive style marked by depth, sensitivity, and technical brilliance.
He holds the prestigious Sangeet Prabhakar degree from Allahabad University and has contributed to global music education as a Senior Guest Faculty at the Geneva Conservatory in Switzerland. An Empanelled Artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Arnab is also a celebrated composer and music director. His work on the short film Life After Death earned him the Best Music Director award at the Berlin Short Film Festival 2020 and in Portugal, showcasing his ability to blend tradition with contemporary sensibilities.
Arnab’s international debut took place in 1997 with a tour across Spain and Portugal. Since then, his career has taken him to prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe, the United States, South Africa, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia, Central Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond. His performances are known for their emotional depth, meditative quality, and seamless communication with accompanying artists and audiences alike.
With his profound artistry and global recognition, Arnab Bhattacharya brings to this stage not just a performance, but an experience—one that resonates with the timeless spirit of Indian classical music.
