Chowdiah Utsava 2026 – Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival | 5-Day Carnatic & Hindustani Music Celebration
About the Event
Celebrating 65 Years of Music, Dance and Fine Arts

The Academy of Music, one of the most prominent cultural organisations, marks 65 years of dedicated service to the promotion of Carnatic music, Hindustani music, dance forms and fine arts.

To celebrate this legacy, the Academy of Music presents Chowdiah Utsava – “Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival” – 2026, a five-day festival bringing together renowned artists and celebrated musical performances.

The festival will be held from 11th to 15th November 2026, creating five days of artistic celebration centred on India's rich classical music traditions.

Across all five days, audiences can look forward to a spectacular series of musical performances by renowned artists from India.

A special highlight of the festival will take place on 15th November 2026 at 5:30 PM, when the Academy of Music Chowdiah Award will be presented.

The festival brings together music, tradition, artistic excellence and cultural heritage in a programme designed to celebrate both established traditions and the artists who continue to carry them forward.

Five days. Renowned artists. Timeless music. One celebration of India's classical arts.

Chowdiah Utsava – Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival 2026

Chowdiah Utsava 2026 is presented as the Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival, bringing together a series of live musical performances over five days.

The festival is an important part of the Academy of Music's continuing commitment to promoting classical music and the wider performing and fine arts.

The programme is designed to give audiences the opportunity to experience live performances by renowned Indian artists within a festival setting.

Rather than focusing on a single day or a single performer, Chowdiah Utsava creates a broader celebration across 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th November 2026.

Each day contributes to the larger festival experience.

Five Days of Musical Performances

The festival will run for five consecutive days, from 11th to 15th November 2026.

Across the five-day programme, the Academy of Music will present a spectacular series of musical performances by renowned artists of India.

The extended festival format provides audiences with an opportunity to experience a wide range of performances rather than attending a single standalone concert.

The supplied event information does not provide a day-by-day artist lineup, so individual performers and performance schedules should be checked in the latest official event listing.

The overarching focus remains on celebrating India's musical traditions through live performance.

Academy of Music – 65 Years of Cultural Service

The Academy of Music has completed 65 years of service dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the arts.

Its stated areas of focus include:

Carnatic music
Hindustani music
Dance forms
Fine arts

This long-standing commitment provides the broader cultural context for Chowdiah Utsava.

The festival can therefore be viewed as part of a continuing artistic tradition in which classical music and related art forms are brought before audiences through dedicated programmes and live events.

The 65-year milestone adds special significance to the 2026 edition.

Carnatic Music

Carnatic music forms one of the key artistic traditions promoted by the Academy of Music.

As one of India's major classical music traditions, Carnatic music is known for its emphasis on melody, rhythm, improvisation and detailed musical structures.

A festival dedicated to classical music provides audiences with an opportunity to experience these traditions in a live performance setting.

Chowdiah Utsava's broader programme celebrates the continued presence of Indian classical music within contemporary cultural life.

Hindustani Music

Alongside Carnatic music, the Academy of Music also supports the promotion of Hindustani music.

The inclusion of both traditions reflects the breadth of Indian classical music and the festival's wider cultural scope.

Carnatic and Hindustani music have distinct histories, forms and approaches, while both represent significant parts of India's classical musical heritage.

By bringing attention to both traditions, the Academy of Music continues its stated mission of promoting diverse forms of Indian music.

Dance and Fine Arts

The Academy of Music's 65-year journey extends beyond music to include dance forms and fine arts.

Although the supplied Chowdiah Utsava programme specifically highlights musical performances, the broader institutional context includes a wider commitment to India's artistic traditions.

This makes the festival part of a larger cultural ecosystem focused on preserving and presenting artistic practices for audiences.

The festival's emphasis on music sits within that broader appreciation of the performing and fine arts.

Renowned Artists From India

One of the major highlights of the festival is its presentation of performances by renowned artists of India.

The programme is designed to bring distinguished performers before a live audience across all five days.

The supplied event information does not name the individual artists appearing in the 2026 edition.

For that reason, attendees should refer to the latest official festival listing for the confirmed artist lineup and individual performance details.

The emphasis, however, is clear: the festival is built around high-quality live music presented by recognised Indian artists.

Academy of Music Chowdiah Award

A particularly significant moment during the festival will be the presentation of the Academy of Music Chowdiah Award.

The award ceremony is scheduled for:

15th November 2026 at 5:30 PM

The award adds a special ceremonial element to the five-day festival and connects the event with the recognition of artistic contribution and excellence.

Audiences attending the final day can therefore expect not only musical performances but also this important award presentation.

A Celebration of Artistic Excellence

Festivals such as Chowdiah Utsava create an opportunity to celebrate the work of artists while also allowing audiences to engage directly with live performance.

The combination of multiple festival days and renowned artists gives the event a strong focus on artistic appreciation.

The presentation of the Chowdiah Award adds another dimension by formally recognising musical or artistic achievement within the Academy of Music's wider cultural framework.

Together, performances and recognition create a festival experience centred on music, heritage and artistic excellence.

A Live Experience for Classical Music Lovers

For audiences who enjoy Indian classical music, a multi-day festival provides an opportunity to spend more time engaging with live performance.

The atmosphere of a festival can also create a stronger sense of cultural occasion than a single standalone concert.

Chowdiah Utsava brings audiences together around established musical traditions while providing access to performances by renowned artists from across India.

Whether you are a long-time listener or someone exploring Indian classical music, the festival offers a dedicated setting for musical discovery.

A Festival Rooted in Tradition

Indian classical music is deeply connected to traditions that have evolved over generations.

Festivals play an important role in bringing those traditions into public performance and ensuring they remain part of contemporary cultural life.

Chowdiah Utsava reflects this connection by presenting classical music within a structured festival programme.

The Academy of Music's 65-year history adds continuity to the celebration, linking the 2026 festival with a broader institutional commitment to music, dance and fine arts.

Five Days of Cultural Immersion

The five-day format allows the festival to develop as a sustained cultural experience.

From the opening day on 11th November through the closing day on 15th November, audiences can experience a series of performances under the larger Chowdiah Utsava banner.

The final day also includes the presentation of the Chowdiah Award at 5:30 PM, giving the festival a significant concluding moment.

The exact timing and performer details for the individual days are not supplied and should be checked against the current official schedule.

What to Expect
Five-Day Music Festival

Enjoy five days of live musical performances from 11th to 15th November 2026.

Renowned Indian Artists

Experience performances by renowned artists of India.

Carnatic and Hindustani Music

Celebrate two major traditions of Indian classical music.

Academy of Music Legacy

Be part of an event presented by an organisation celebrating 65 years of cultural service.

Chowdiah Award Presentation

Attend the presentation of the Academy of Music Chowdiah Award on 15th November at 5:30 PM.

Cultural Celebration

Experience an event rooted in Indian music and the broader promotion of dance and fine arts.

Live Performance

Enjoy classical music directly in a live festival setting.

Why Attend Chowdiah Utsava 2026?
Celebrate 65 Years of the Academy of Music

Join a festival connected to a major institutional milestone.

Experience Multiple Days of Music

Explore a five-day programme rather than a single concert.

Listen to Renowned Artists

Experience musical performances by recognised artists from India.

Discover Classical Traditions

Engage with Carnatic and Hindustani music in a live setting.

Witness the Chowdiah Award

Be present for the Academy of Music Chowdiah Award presentation on 15th November.

Celebrate India's Artistic Heritage

Experience an event centred on music, cultural tradition and artistic appreciation.

Event Schedule

The festival dates are:

11th November 2026

12th November 2026

13th November 2026

14th November 2026

15th November 2026

The Academy of Music Chowdiah Award presentation will take place on 15th November 2026 at 5:30 PM.

A detailed day-by-day schedule of artists and individual performances has not been supplied in the provided event information.

Guests should therefore refer to the latest official programme before attending specific festival sessions.

Event Details at a Glance

Event: Chowdiah Utsava – Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival – 2026

Presented By: Academy of Music

Academy Milestone: 65 years of service

Festival Dates: 11th to 15th November 2026

Format: Five-day music festival

Music Traditions: Carnatic and Hindustani music

Performers: Renowned artists of India

Special Ceremony: Academy of Music Chowdiah Award

Award Date: 15th November 2026

Award Time: 5:30 PM

Focus: Indian classical music, cultural heritage and artistic excellence

Age Limit: 8+ years

Venue: Not supplied in the provided event information

Individual Artist Lineup: Not supplied

Day-wise Performance Timings: Not supplied

Age Limit

The festival has an age limit of 8+ years.

Guests should ensure that all attendees meet the specified age requirement before making their booking.

Entry remains subject to the organiser's rules, venue procedures and applicable security requirements.

Important Entry and Venue Guidelines

By accepting, holding or using a ticket, attendees acknowledge that they have read, understood, accepted and agreed to the full terms and conditions.

The organiser reserves the right of admission.

The organiser may alter the event schedule without prior intimation.

Entry will be permitted only after a thorough security check and through specified entrances only.

Re-entry is not permitted.

Guests should therefore plan their arrival and attendance accordingly.

Prohibited Items and Security Checks

The venue does not allow the following inside the venue or seating area. These are classified as Prohibited Items:

Eatables
Drinks
Liquids
Bottles
Cans
Tins
Bags
Lighters
Matchboxes
Flammable items
Illegal substances
Hazardous substances

Ticket holders' belongings will be searched on entry to the event.

If a ticket holder does not consent to the required search and/or is found in possession of Prohibited Items, they may be denied entry without refund or other compensation.

Attendees are requested to cooperate with security personnel and comply with all venue procedures.

Drug-Free Event

The event is explicitly described as a drug-free event.

Any ticket holder found using, procuring, possessing, supplying and/or consuming drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances, as defined under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, at the event will be immediately evicted from the venue without refund or compensation.

The organiser also reserves the right to initiate all available proceedings and actions under applicable law.

Admission and Behaviour Policy

The organiser has the right to refuse admission or eject a ticket holder who:

Appears intoxicated
Is under the influence of drugs
Behaves dangerously or inappropriately
Engages in behaviour likely to harass persons
Causes or is likely to cause damage, injury or nuisance

The organiser's decision in this regard shall be final.

Guests are requested to cooperate with the organiser and venue management throughout the event.

Photography and Recording Policy

The use of audio and/or video equipment, including still cameras and any recording equipment, is strictly prohibited.

Attendees should comply with this restriction throughout the festival and follow any additional venue instructions.

Ticket and Refund Policy

Tickets are issued according to the rules and regulations of the event organiser and venue management.

Except as specifically stated otherwise, tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged, cancelled or returned once purchased.

If the organiser cancels the performance, the ticket fee will be refunded.

Any other fees connected with the performance, including:

Parking fees
Per-ticket internet handling fees
Per-order processing fees

remain non-refundable.

Guests should therefore consider all applicable charges before completing their booking.

Ticket Security and Validity

The organiser and venue are not liable for difficulties caused by an unauthorised copy or reproduction of the ticket.

The ticket is also not valid for entry if the security features affixed to it have been tampered with.

Attendees should retain their ticket securely and ensure that its security features remain intact.

Alcohol Regulations

In accordance with applicable law, visitors below the legally permissible age limit are not permitted to purchase or sample alcoholic drinks.

Guests must comply with all applicable legal and venue requirements concerning alcohol.

The supplied festival information does not identify alcohol as a feature of the event.

Personal Safety and Property

The organiser does not accept responsibility for any injury caused to persons or for any loss or damage to personal property brought to the event.

Guests should take reasonable care of their belongings and comply with all safety instructions issued at the venue.

Communicable Disease Risk

Attendees agree to assume all risks, hazards and dangers related to contracting COVID-19, H1N1 and/or their variants, or any other communicable disease or illness, including illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses or other pathogens, whether occurring before, during or after the event.

Under the supplied terms, attendees voluntarily waive all claims and potential claims against the organiser arising from such risks.

Force Majeure and Event Changes

The event is subject to force majeure conditions.

The organiser reserves the right to alter the event schedule without prior intimation.

The terms and conditions may also be changed from time to time at the discretion of the organiser.

Any secondary performances, if applicable, and the lineup are subject to the artist's discretion.

Attendees are requested to provide their co-operation at all times.

Privacy and Information Collection

To maintain a high-quality user experience, the organiser may collect certain information during booking, registration or payment.

This may include personally identifiable information such as:

Name
Email address
Telephone number

Such information will be collected in accordance with the applicable Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Jurisdiction

Any dispute or claim arising in relation to the event shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Mumbai, as specified in the supplied terms.

A Five-Day Celebration of Indian Classical Music

Chowdiah Utsava – Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival – 2026 offers five days dedicated to the celebration of India's classical music traditions.

Presented by the Academy of Music, the festival marks the organisation's 65 years of service in promoting Carnatic music, Hindustani music, dance forms and fine arts.

From 11th to 15th November 2026, audiences can experience a spectacular series of live musical performances by renowned artists from India.

The festival's concluding day includes an important ceremonial moment: the Academy of Music Chowdiah Award will be presented on 15th November 2026 at 5:30 PM.

This combination of live performances and award recognition gives the festival a strong focus on musical excellence and cultural appreciation.

A Festival for Music and Culture

Chowdiah Utsava brings together the experience of live performance with the larger purpose of celebrating India's artistic heritage.

For classical music enthusiasts, the festival offers an opportunity to spend several days engaging with Indian musical traditions.

For audiences who are newer to Carnatic or Hindustani music, the event provides an opportunity to experience these traditions through performances by renowned artists.

The festival's association with the Academy of Music's 65-year cultural journey adds historical significance to the 2026 edition.

Experience Chowdiah Utsava 2026

The Chowdiah Utsava – “Sri K.K. Murthy Memorial Music Festival” – 2026 is a five-day celebration presented by the Academy of Music, commemorating 65 years of service to music, dance and fine arts.

Running from 11th to 15th November 2026, the festival will feature a spectacular series of musical performances by renowned artists of India, with the wider festival celebrating the traditions of Carnatic and Hindustani music.

A special highlight arrives on 15th November at 5:30 PM, when the Academy of Music Chowdiah Award will be presented.

The festival is open to audiences aged 8 years and above. The supplied information does not include the specific venue, ticket price, detailed artist lineup or individual day-wise timings, so guests should check the latest official festival listing for those details.

Attendees should also note the supplied ticket conditions: re-entry is not permitted, security checks and searches apply, prohibited items are not allowed, the event is drug-free, audio/video recording and still cameras are prohibited, tickets are generally non-refundable except where the organiser cancels the performance, and the organiser reserves the right to modify the schedule and terms as specified.

Five days of music. Decades of tradition. One celebration of India's artistic heritage.

Come experience Chowdiah Utsava 2026 and celebrate the timeless power of live Indian classical music.