Khyati Kumar, invited as a festival artist, shares her personal experience of Naad Manjari 2026 Season 3, where she performed Raag Megh Malhar and celebrated music, learning, and guru blessings.
This year, Naad Manjari 2026 Season 3 was organised in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. I was invited as a festival artist from Raigarh Gharana on 26 June. It became one of the most meaningful musical experiences of the year for me. It was not only an event where I performed, but also a journey where I learned more about music, confidence, discipline, emotions, and myself. Being part of a national-level cultural platform gave me a different feeling. I felt proud, excited and grateful at the same time. Every moment of that day taught me something important, and every memory became a beautiful part of my musical journey.
This was my second consecutive year participating in Naad Manjari. Although I had stood on its stage before, the excitement felt completely new. Every performance is different because every performance reflects a different version of ourselves.
My Solo Performance
The most special moment of the day was my solo performance in Raag Megh Malhar. I performed the bandish “Megh Raj Ghir Aayo,. The beautiful bandish was composed by my revered Guru Vedmadhi Singh Thakur Ji. When my name was announced, I could feel my heartbeat becoming faster. Walking towards the stage felt like walking towards a big responsibility. I knew that I was not only presenting a composition, but also carrying the blessings of my gurus, my practice, my learning and my love for Indian classical music. That thought made the moment very personal and emotional for me.
Raag Megh Malhar
Raag Megh Malhar is deeply connected with the beauty of rain, clouds and nature. The bandish “Megh Raj Ghir Aayo” beautifully welcomes the arrival of the rain king and expresses a prayer for showers that can comfort Mother Earth. While singing this composition, I did not feel that I was only singing words and notes. I felt as if I was expressing the mood of the monsoon through music. It combines musical elegance with poetic imagery, making it deeply meaningful to perform. The meaning of the bandish created many images in my mind. It felt like clouds, thunder, wind, raindrops and nature were all becoming part of my voice.
Guru Mata’s Support
Before I could introduce the composition, my respected Guru Mata Chandra Devangan Ji gently stepped forward and addressed the audience herself. She explained the meaning of the bandish and spoke about our purpose in representing the Raigarh Gharana on a national platform.
It was a simple gesture, yet one that revealed the true relationship between a guru and a student. Her kindness instantly eased much of my anxiety. Accompanied gracefully by Guru Mata Chandra Devangan Ji on the harmonium, I began singing. Despite my determination to stay focused, countless thoughts continued racing through my mind.
Was I singing in tune?
Was I maintaining the rhythm correctly?
Had I made a mistake?
Then, for a brief moment, my eyes met my mother’s.
She sat quietly among the audience with a gentle smile filled with warmth, pride, and unwavering encouragement. That single glance silenced every doubt. From that moment onward, I stopped worrying about perfection and surrendered myself completely to the music.
As the bandish unfolded, my imagination carried me far beyond the auditorium. I could almost hear distant thunder rolling across the sky. Dark monsoon clouds gathered overhead, lightning illuminated the horizon, peacocks danced joyfully, cool winds carried the fragrance of rain, and tiny droplets gently touched the earth.
For those precious minutes, I was no longer standing on a stage. I was living inside the composition itself. Months of daily riyaaz, countless corrections from my gurus, and hours of dedicated practice came together in those few unforgettable moments.
The performance ended much sooner than I expected. Like every meaningful musical experience, its duration was brief—but its memories remain everlasting.
Mother’s Silent Strength
As I stood on the stage, many thoughts were moving through my mind. I was thinking about my sur, taal, words, expression and presentation. For a moment, nervousness began to grow inside me. Then I looked towards the audience and saw my mother sitting there quietly. She smiled at me with love, pride and complete faith. That one silent smile gave me more strength than many words could have given. I felt calm, supported and encouraged. After seeing her, I stopped worrying about mistakes and decided to surrender myself fully to the music.
More Than a Competition
Once my performance concluded, the adrenaline that had carried me throughout the day slowly faded into complete exhaustion. Yet resting proved impossible. One remarkable performance followed another. Some artists displayed extraordinary technical mastery.
Others captivated the audience through emotion. Some performed with effortless confidence. Others visibly battled nervousness but still found the courage to stand before hundreds of people and sing. Watching them reminded me that competitions are not merely about winning.
They are classrooms. Every performance teaches something. Every artist becomes another source of inspiration. Music is not measured only by perfection. It is measured by sincerity, discipline, dedication, and the courage to share a part of oneself with others.
Practice Becomes Strength
That performance made me realise the true value of daily riyaaz. All the hours of practice, every correction from my gurus, every repetition and every small improvement came together on that stage. Music requires patience, discipline and sincerity. It is not built in one day. It grows slowly through regular effort. While performing, I understood that practice does not only improve the voice, but also builds confidence, concentration and emotional strength. My performance became special because it carried the effort of many days, the blessings of my gurus and my own dedication.
Group Song Experience
Before my solo performance, I also participated in a group song presentation. Our group performed “Aao Phir Naye, Kuch Geet Gayen Hum,” another beautiful composition written and composed by Guru Vedmadhi Singh Thakur Ji. Since our group was the first to perform on stage, everyone was a little excited. For some members, it was their first experience of performing before a large audience. In the beginning, our voices were not completely steady, but slowly we gained confidence together. That performance became a memorable part of the day because we completed it with unity and courage.
Both compositions we presented had been created by my revered Guru Vedmadi Singh Thakur Ji, an accomplished musician, composer, and knowledgeable in domains like tabla player, violinist, and Kathak artist. Every composition carries decades of discipline, devotion, and musical wisdom.
Teamwork Taught Me
The group performance taught me a very important lesson about teamwork. I learned that teamwork is not only about singing perfectly together. It is about trusting each other, supporting each other and continuing together even when nervousness appears. Every voice in a group has value, and every member carries responsibility. When we performed together, I understood that music can become a shared emotion. It connects people, builds confidence and teaches cooperation. That experience helped me appreciate the beauty of collective performance and the strength that comes from being part of a team.
Journey To Bilaspur
Our journey to Bilaspur from Raigarh began early in the morning with excitement and preparation. Nearly 40 musicians and instrumentalists, students and teachers travelled together in one bus, while dancers occupied another. The weather was warm and humid, but no one allowed the heat to reduce the energy of the journey. We travelled in a bus with nearly forty musicians, instrumentalists, students and teachers. Another bus carried the dancers and their preparations. I was very happy that my mother was travelling with me. Her presence always makes me feel peaceful and confident. The journey itself became special because everyone was carrying dreams, instruments, costumes and excitement for the festival.
Musical Bus Ride
The bus journey slowly turned into a beautiful musical celebration. Someone began singing softly, then another voice joined, and soon the entire bus became like a moving concert hall. Classical bandishes, devotional songs, old melodies and popular songs filled the atmosphere with joy. Everyone clapped, smiled and encouraged one another. That journey helped reduce nervousness and created a feeling of togetherness before we reached the venue. Looking back, I feel that the bus ride was not just travel. It was the beginning of the musical mood of the entire day.
Reaching The Venue
By afternoon, we reached BTC College of Agriculture, Old Sarkanda, Bilaspur, where Naad Manjari Season 3 was being held. The venue was full of artists from different backgrounds and age groups. Some were rehearsing, some were preparing their costumes, some were tuning instruments, and some were sitting silently with focused minds. The atmosphere was full of discipline, creativity and excitement. I could feel that every artist had come with hard work and hope. Reaching the venue made the event feel real, serious and very special.
I received appreciation for the solo and group song performance, and I was also recognised as a Festival Artist.
Recognition with Respect
As evening approached, the performances concluded and the award ceremony began. One aspect of Naad Manjari that I deeply admire is its philosophy of respecting every artist. Every participant receives appreciation, certificates, and recognition, acknowledging that every performance represents months—or often years—of dedication.
I felt grateful to receive two recognitions:
- Group Song Performance
- Festival Artist
These recognitions made me happy, humble and thankful.
Naad Manjari marked the first public presentation of both compositions on a national stage.
The Journey to Bilaspur – Musical Bus Ride
Our journey began at 8:30 in the morning. Although the morning was warm and humid, the atmosphere inside our bus was filled with excitement. Nearly 40 musicians and instrumentalists, students and teachers, travelled together in one bus, while dancers occupied another. I was fortunate to travel alongside my mother, Divya Rusen Kumar, who is a teacher at O.P. Jindal School, Raigarh, whose quiet presence has always brought me comfort. Knowing she was beside me made the nervousness easier to carry. Before long, someone softly began singing. Another voice joined, then another, until the entire bus transformed into a moving concert hall. Classical bandishes blended with devotional melodies, old film songs met contemporary favourites, and spontaneous applause followed every performance.
By 1:15 p.m., we arrived at BTC College of Agriculture, Old Sarkanda, Bilaspur—the venue for Naad Manjari Season 3.
Looking back, I feel that the bus ride was not just a travel. It was the beginning of the musical mood of the entire day.
The Journey Back Home
With packed dinners in our hands and performances behind us, we slowly returned to the buses. As we quietly ate dinner, I found myself replaying every moment of the day—the songs, the stage, the laughter, the nervousness, the encouragement, the friendships, and the joy of witnessing so many talented artists. Without even noticing, I caught myself smiling. Within minutes, conversations faded, lights dimmed, and almost the entire bus had fallen asleep. Somewhere between dreams and the gentle rhythm of the moving bus, we travelled back home, finally arriving at around 3:00 a.m. The day had come full circle.
A Thought for Future Editions
Although the festival itself was beautifully organised, one area deserves thoughtful improvement. The changing facilities for performers offered very little privacy. Temporary cloth partitions in an open hallway were insufficient, particularly considering the large number of participants. Separate and properly enclosed changing rooms for male and female performers would greatly improve comfort and dignity.
Similarly, the available restroom was too small for the number of artists and lacked adequate maintenance and lighting. An event that honours artists with such sincerity deserves backstage facilities that reflect the same level of care and respect.
Music Leaves More Than Memories
When I think back on Naad Manjari Season 3, I do not remember only the applause or the awards. I remember a bus filled with songs. I remember my mother’s quiet encouragement. I remember friends rehearsing together before stepping onto the stage. I remember nervous smiles exchanged backstage.
I remember presenting my guru’s beautiful compositions for the very first time on a national platform. Most importantly, I remember the spirit shared by every artist present. Some performed with complete confidence. Some stood on stage despite trembling with nervousness. Some returned home with awards. Others returned home with invaluable experience.
Yet every one of them achieved something greater than victory. They honoured their passion for music. Perhaps that is the true purpose of festivals like Naad Manjari. Music teaches us that perfection is never the destination—growth is. Every stage builds confidence. Every performance becomes another lesson. Every journey creates another memory.
What is Naad Manjari?
Naad Manjari is a national-level festival and competition celebrating Indian music, dance, instrumental performance, and painting. Organised by the News Hub Insight Care Foundation (NHICF) under the inspiring motto, “Empowering Talent. Enriching Culture. Transforming Society,” the festival has, since 2024, provided artists from different states, age groups, and artistic traditions with a platform to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage.
What makes Naad Manjari special is that it goes beyond competition. It is a gathering where artists come together not merely to perform, but to learn from one another, celebrate creativity, and preserve traditions passed down through generations
