Nepal, June 20 -- An invitation to attend Antarrashtriya Sangeet Mahotsav or International Music Festival 2026, and to present what was called a pragyik mantavya or academic opinion, brought me both happiness and a challenge. It was a major music festival organised by stakeholders such as the Lalitkala Campus of Tribhuvan University and Ramchandra Mandir of Battisputali, with the performance venue held in Kathmandu from June 13-17, 2026.

A few things struck me. First, it was claimed to be a classical musical performance of historical significance, supported by serious kinds of mimamsa or discussions on the various aspects of music. Second, it was claimed to be a classical musical festival of Indic nature with a motto of creating a melang...