Report date: 8 October 2026, 3:05 PM IST
Chandigarh’s cultural calendar gets a major classical-music highlight this week as the 48th Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan begins on October 8 and continues through October 10 at Strawberry Fields High School, Sector 26. The three-day programme brings together performers from the Carnatic and Hindustani traditions and is being presented by the Indian National Theatre in association with the Durga Das Foundation.
Three evenings of classical music
The Indian National Theatre has confirmed that the 2026 Sammelan will be held from October 8 to 10, with the programme opening with Carnatic music and continuing with leading Hindustani artistes. The organisation says entry is free for music lovers, making the festival accessible to audiences across Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali.
According to The Tribune, the opening day features acclaimed Carnatic vocalist Ramakrishnan Murthy. The festival is part of the Indian National Theatre’s long-running effort to preserve and promote Indian cultural traditions in Chandigarh. The society says its Sangeet Sammelan tradition grew from a vision to bring a prestigious classical-music programme to the city, inspired by the Hariballabh Sangeet Sammelan in Jalandhar.
Why this event matters to the Tricity
Beyond being a concert series, the Sammelan offers the region a public platform for classical music at a time when many cultural events are increasingly centred on popular entertainment. Its free-entry format also gives students, young listeners and families an opportunity to experience live Indian classical performances without a ticket barrier.
The organisers have also highlighted the wider value of music appreciation, particularly for younger audiences. The Indian National Theatre describes its broader mission as preserving Indian culture and encouraging greater understanding of classical music.
What visitors should know
The event is scheduled at Strawberry Fields High School in Sector 26, Chandigarh, from October 8 to 10. Visitors planning to attend should check the organiser’s latest programme details before leaving, as performance timings and artiste schedules can change.
For Tricity residents looking for a meaningful cultural outing this week, the Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan is one of the most significant public events on the current calendar.
For regular Tricity audiences, the event also offers a chance to discover artistes and forms that are not always represented in mainstream concert programming. The mix of Carnatic and Hindustani traditions makes the Sammelan relevant to both established classical-music listeners and people who are curious about exploring Indian music beyond commercial releases.
Families and students considering an evening at the festival may find the free-entry format particularly useful. The venue in Sector 26 is also practical for visitors from nearby Panchkula and Mohali.
As Chandigarh continues to attract a wide range of public events, programmes such as this also contribute to the city’s cultural identity. A strong local audience can help sustain similar performances and encourage organisers to keep classical and traditional arts visible in the city’s regular event calendar.
Why it matters
The Sammelan strengthens Chandigarh’s position as a cultural centre and gives classical music a prominent public space in the Tricity. Its free admission makes the three-day programme especially relevant to students, families and first-time listeners.
