India, Jan. 11 -- Hearing 'Kesariya Balam Padharo Mharo Desh' right at the start of the 27th Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav at Shankar Lal Hall felt so familiar, almost like returning to a place you know well. It was the kind of opening that makes you settle into your seat and let the music take over.

Led by Grammy winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, the night was an absolute masterclass. Seeing him on the Mohan Veena with Pt Salil Bhatt and the Manganiyars was something truly special. They moved from the deep Raga Vishwa Ranjini to the rhythmic 'Balam Ji Mhara Jhirmir Barse Meh' and a sweet, lilting Pahadi dhun. They blended strict classical rules with raw folk soul so effortlessly that the boundaries between them just melte...