It is believed that the sacred syllable ‘om’ gave birth to kantha sangeet or vocal music in India. Vadya sangeet or instrumental music, which came later, began with plucking of a bow’s string to release an arrow. This music produced by the then seemingly single-functioned violent weapon birthed an array of calming classical stringed instruments across India.

Over time, our ears have been trained to focus on the overpowering vocals of recorded songs. We often miss the beautiful medley of instruments in the background that ensures the enhancement of the vocal experience.  In an attempt to retrain our listening skills, the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) is back with its tenth edition of Saz-e-Bahar: Festival of Indian Instrumental Music.