India's Percussion Festival Unites Drummers Across Cultures

A festival in Bengaluru is proving that drums speak a universal language that brings people together across India's diverse musical traditions.

The Mahindra Percussion Festival kicks off its fourth edition on March 7 and 8 at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts. The event showcases everyone from Padma Vibhushan award winner Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman to tribal drumming groups rarely seen on major stages.

"Through the festival, we are unifying artists from across the country who carry different identities, but their art represents the singular spirit of India's evolved music tradition," says Jay Shah, Vice President of Cultural Outreach at Mahindra Group. The lineup includes a special all-female ensemble called Women Who Drum and a collaboration featuring the Jenukuruba tribal community.

Percussionist Charu Hariharan sees something special in how Indian drums connect to daily life. "You hear it in temples, on the streets, during festivals, processions, and also on concert stages. It is an integral part of how people celebrate, gather and express themselves."

The festival isn't just preserving traditions. It's pushing them forward by pairing classical instruments with contemporary sound design and ensemble work.

Multi-percussionist Praveen Sparsh, who started learning mridangam at age five, notices how music consumption has shifted toward full experiences. "It has now become more experiential and is about what you feel, rather than just what you hear," he says, pointing to how the festival combines stage design, lighting, and technology to create immersive performances.

The Ripple Effect

The festival's impact extends beyond two days of concerts. By giving platforms to underrepresented artists and instruments, it's changing who gets heard in India's music scene.

Producer Swarupa Ananth highlights how many Indian percussion traditions have never reached global platforms. "Curated festivals like the Mahindra Percussion Festival bring about such valuable opportunities and collaboration," she says.

Legendary mridangam maestro Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman reminds audiences why rhythm resonates so deeply. "The language of rhythm, whether it is national or international, is always understood easily. It is universal."

The festival proves that India's ancient drumming traditions have a vibrant future when diverse voices get to share the stage.