At the sacred Ram Katha event of 2017, a truly divine meeting of musical minds unfolded as sitar maestro Niladri Kumar and the legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain shared the stage. Niladri Kumar, celebrated for his inventive brilliance and his deep command over both the sitar and the zitar, arrived with a devotion to classical roots that has always guided his artistry. Ustad Zakir Hussain, ever the heartbeat of rhythm itself, responded with a grace and authority that seemed to reach back through generations.

On this memorable evening, Niladri presented Raag Shree, a majestic and meditative raga traditionally associated with twilight and solemn devotion. Steeped in spiritual gravity, Shree carries an ancient dignity—its phrases unfolding like quiet prayers offered at dusk, when the world softens and the sacred feels close at hand. Each alap, each delicate meend from Niladri’s sitar, found its perfect companion in Zakir Hussain’s tabla, where every stroke echoed stories older than memory yet alive with fresh vitality.

Their performance was far more than a musical recital—it was an offering. A homage to tradition, a celebration of devotion, and a reminder of the cultural depth that the Ram Katha has preserved through generations.

Musicians
Niladri Kumar – Sitar
Ustad Zakir Hussain – Tabla