Kalasagaram Festival 2025: A Major Cultural Showcase in Hyderabad, Fusing Carnatic Music, Dance, and Theatre, Elevating Tourism- Check It Out Now

Published on December 9, 2025

The Kalasagaram Festival has firmly established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events in Hyderabad, combining the best of Carnatic music, classical dance, and theatre. Held annually at the iconic Keyes High School in Secunderabad, this festival is not only a treat for music and arts enthusiasts but also a significant driver of tourism in the region. Over the past few years, the festival has evolved into a major cultural landmark, attracting thousands of visitors from across India and even from international locations, enhancing the tourism appeal of Hyderabad and Telangana.

Kalasagaram Festival: A Cultural Showcase

The 2025 edition of the Kalasagaram Festival brought together seasoned maestros and emerging talent in a stellar display of Carnatic music, classical dance performances, and Tamil theatre. The event began on November 28 with a captivating opening recital by Vidwan Ramakrishna Murthy and culminated with performances by well-known artists such as Vidushi Nithyasree Mahadevan, the Ravindran sisters Anahita and Apoorva, and several other distinguished musicians.

The festival is known for its unique fusion of Indian classical music with regional theatre performances, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience diverse art forms under one roof. The Lalgudi scions, known for their exceptional violin duets, the energetic ensemble of the nadaswaram led by Vidwan Vyasarpadi G. Kothandaraman, and performances by Tamil theatre groups such as Vedham Puthithu Kannan, showcased the richness of South Indian culture and the diversity of artistic expression.

For both seasoned fans of Carnatic music and newcomers to the genre, the Kalasagaram Festival provided an excellent platform to discover a variety of performances. The festival offered a combination of traditional and modern approaches to music and dance, allowing performers to break traditional boundaries while respecting the core principles of classical art forms.

A Tourism Boost for Hyderabad and Telangana

One of the key aspects that make the Kalasagaram Festival so significant is its impact on tourism. Hyderabad, known for its historical significance, architectural wonders, and rich cultural heritage, sees a noticeable increase in tourist activity during the festival season. Visitors from all over the country and abroad flock to the city, not only to witness the performances but also to explore the vibrant cultural scene that Hyderabad offers.

The timing of the festival, held in the bustling winter months, perfectly aligns with the city’s peak tourism season. Hyderabad’s tourism infrastructure, including luxury hotels, traditional heritage sites, and the famous Hyderabad cuisine, provides a holistic cultural experience for travelers. The festival helps maintain a vibrant cultural calendar, which, in turn, supports local businesses, from transport services to retail shops.

Many international tourists, especially those from South East Asia, Europe, and the United States, are increasingly visiting India to experience classical music festivals like Kalasagaram. The growing appeal of Indian classical music and the diverse art forms showcased at this festival have contributed to Hyderabad’s rise as a cultural tourism hub in India.

Promoting Hyderabad’s Cultural Identity

The Kalasagaram Festival is more than just a platform for performances; it is a statement of the city’s dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. The festival is also a reflection of Hyderabad’s evolving identity, blending traditional arts with modern artistic expressions.

Performers at the festival, such as Nithyasree Mahadevan, often reminisce about their long-standing relationship with the city and its audience, praising Hyderabad’s profound connection to Carnatic music. The festival serves as a reminder that Hyderabad is a city that continues to respect its musical roots while embracing the changing landscape of Indian and global music.

By honoring musicians and dancers from a variety of backgrounds, Kalasagaram also strengthens Hyderabad’s reputation as a hub for both classical arts and cutting-edge performances. This makes it an essential cultural destination for anyone keen on exploring Indian traditions and the evolution of its music and dance forms.

Engaging Younger Audiences and Cultural Preservation

One of the most interesting aspects of this year’s Kalasagaram Festival was its focus on engaging younger audiences. The festival organizers are keen to reach out to the next generation of listeners and performers, offering performances that combine classical music with contemporary influences. This approach not only helps introduce Carnatic music to younger people but also ensures that the tradition remains relevant and relatable in an era of modern entertainment.

For example, the Ravindran sisters, Anahita and Apoorva, brought a fresh dynamic to the festival. Although they had appeared at Kalasagaram once before, their first vocal concert at the festival in 2025 marked a significant milestone in their career. The duo’s performance was celebrated for its ability to balance their individual musical identities while creating a harmonious sound that resonated with both older and younger listeners.

Their performance highlighted the evolution of Carnatic music as a space for personal expression and cultural connection, making it more accessible to a wider, younger demographic. Anahita described their work as an intersection of two individual musical identities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their unique voices while collaborating with other musicians.

The Role of Kalasagaram Festival in Promoting Regional Arts

Beyond the performances of well-known musicians, the festival also showcased performances by local artists and performers from other regions. This helped not only highlight Telangana’s rich cultural diversity but also provided a platform for regional art forms to shine on a national stage.

One significant contribution of the festival was its emphasis on Tamil theatre, with performances such as Vedham Puthithu Kannan bringing regional stories to a broader audience. These performances were not only entertaining but also educational, allowing attendees to learn more about Tamil culture and traditions.

Additionally, the festival’s focus on aesthetics, such as the changing décor throughout the event, added another layer of depth to the overall experience. The attention to detail from the organizers, who worked tirelessly to maintain the event’s high standards, was appreciated by both performers and audiences alike.

Connecting Hyderabad to the Global Stage

In today’s globalized world, where cultural boundaries are increasingly blurred, events like the Kalasagaram Festival are vital in connecting Hyderabad with the rest of the world. Through these performances, the city has the opportunity to not only showcase its local art forms but also engage with global audiences, further establishing its cultural footprint on the international stage.

Artists like Nithyasree Mahadevan, who travel globally, bring back valuable experiences that they share with Hyderabad’s audience, further enriching the local cultural landscape. The Kalasagaram Festival is integral to creating a cultural exchange that benefits not only the performers but also the spectators, who leave with a deeper appreciation for India’s musical traditions.

Conclusion: A Key Moment for Hyderabad’s Tourism Industry

In conclusion, the Kalasagaram Festival is much more than a traditional celebration of Carnatic music and Indian classical arts; it plays an important role in Hyderabad’s tourism landscape. By attracting both national and international visitors, the festival helps position Hyderabad as a premier cultural destination, fostering economic growth and enhancing the city’s cultural profile.

As Hyderabad continues to grow as a global tourism hotspot, the festival’s blend of music, theatre, and dance will remain a central part of its cultural identity. By celebrating its rich artistic traditions, the Kalasagaram Festival provides an enriching experience for both performers and visitors, ensuring that Hyderabad’s cultural significance continues to thrive well into the future.