The Nazrul Manch pulsed with an electric energy on March 9th, 2025, as the second edition of the Kolkata International Drum Festival (KIDF) unfolded, a resounding testament to the power of percussion. This year’s celebration held a particularly poignant note, as it coincided with the birth anniversary of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, transforming the festival into a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy. Thousands of music enthusiasts, spanning generations, flocked to witness a masterfully curated evening, a testament to the vision of Pt. Subhen Chatterjee and Sambit Chatterjee, and the dedication of organisers Eventmas and Make Calcutta Relevant Again.
The evening commenced with a collective homage to Ustad Zakir Hussain, a moment of shared reverence as the artists gathered to cut a commemorative cake. Then, the stage ignited with the electrifying energy of Bunty’s Percussion Methodize. Their dynamic opening act, a whirlwind of intricate rhythms and infectious enthusiasm, set the tone for the night. “Festivals like this should happen more often in Calcutta”, declared Suvam Moitra, echoing the sentiment of the crowd. “We’re so happy that KIDF is bringing change in the music scene. Kudos to Eventmas and Make Calcutta Relevant Again for organising KIDF for the second time in a row. Can’t wait for the next one!”
Founder of Make Calcutta Relevant Again, Meghdut Roy Chowdhury was beyond ecstatic about the turnout. “All that I can say at this point is that I’m so proud of our city for coming out in herds, all these amazing musicians for coming out and supporting a celebration like this. This is a celebration of music, of camaraderie, of togetherness, and I feel Calcutta’s as relevant as it has ever been, today. Thank you all for coming here – I’m a happy Calcutta lover today!”
The atmosphere shifted as Padma Shri Gokul Chandra Das and his troupe flooded the stage with the visceral pulse of the dhaak, capturing the raw essence of Durga Puja. The sight of his predominantly female ensemble, a testament to his dedication to training, was a masterclass in cultural preservation. “It is an incredible feeling to be able to join in on this celebration to remember Ustad Ji”, Das shared, his voice filled with emotion. “I will never forget the amount of love and respect I received from him during our 2010 tour. There is so much we can learn from him and his journey.”
Sanjay Mondal and his troupe then delivered a transformative performance, proving that innovation and sustainability can strike a powerful chord. They transformed discarded materials – paint tins, water jugs, plastic, and wood – into instruments of startling resonance. Their inventive renditions of childhood rhymes and A.R. Rahman compositions were a revelation, showcasing the transformative power of music and the potential of youth. Importantly, Mondal integrated young musicians, providing them with a platform for expression and demonstrating the power of music to unite and uplift.
The energy surged with Shariq Tucker’s electrifying performance, a masterclass in rhythmic dexterity and raw passion. He weaved intricate patterns and captivating grooves, leaving the audience spellbound. Jivraj Singh, presenting Study Group, followed with a sophisticated and nuanced performance, showcasing the depth and complexity of contemporary percussion. The duo of Tanmay Das and Sandipan Parial then took the audience on a mesmerizing journey, their seamless interplay and melodic rhythms creating a truly magical atmosphere.
As the evening progressed, the stage was graced by Pt. Subhen Chatterjee and Karma, their performance a fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds, a testament to their mastery of the art form. The anticipation reached a fever pitch as the legendary A. Sivamani stepped onto the stage. His performance was nothing short of a spectacle, a whirlwind of percussive brilliance that transcended genres and boundaries. Sivamani, a force of nature, transformed everyday objects into instruments, his hands moving with astonishing speed and precision. He conjured a symphony of sounds, from the delicate whisper of a rainstick to the thunderous roar of a drum kit. His ability to connect with the audience was palpable, his energy infectious. The crowd was on their feet, swept away by the sheer brilliance of his performance. His ending performance was truly unbelievable, and left the audience with a lasting memory.
He shared, “I don’t know what I’m going to play today – I called out to my gurus and prayed to them. I’ll just be playing. All the young drummers completely rocked the stage today, I’ve really enjoyed all of it. I want to thank my brother Subhen and Sambit for curating this. This kind of festival needs to happen more. I’ve been coming to Calcutta for so many years, but this is the kind of a celebration that will encourage the youngsters to come to the limelight – everyone needs to know how good the music scene is. Calcutta, keep doing this!”
Curator Sambit Chatterjee also shared with us his happiness, “I want to express my love for Make Calcutta Relevant Again and my brothers Meghdut and Shilaz, as this wouldn’t have taken shape without their love and support. We’re all incredibly honoured to be a part of KIDF. Thank you to Global Seamless, US Realtors, Gappu, BC Sen, Chowman and all our other sponsors and Eventmas, without them this could not have been done. I’m immensely happy with the way we got to celebrate Ustad Ji’s birth anniversary. Looking forward to KIDF 2026!”
The Kolkata International Drum Festival 2025 was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of rhythm, a tribute to a legend, and a testament to the unifying power of music. It was a night where diverse voices and instruments came together in a harmonious symphony, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were present. The festival’s resounding success promises an even brighter future for percussion in Calcutta, a city that clearly resonates with the heartbeat of the drum.
