'GHAMMAK' : A Unique & engaging 'India-Bhutan Music Festival' is being held in Mumbai from 12th to 18th June 2026

The GHAMMAK™ India–Bhutan Cultural Music Exchange is shaping up to be a landmark event in Mumbai, blending heritage, creativity, and collaboration across borders.

Festival Highlights
- Inauguration: Padma Shri singer Suresh Wadkar ji.
- Artists: 9 Bhutanese musicians alongside Indian performers from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, Kolkata, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Telugu traditions.
- Fusion Creations: Original collaborative tracks merging Bhutanese instruments like the Dramyin and Lim with Indian classical and contemporary sounds.
- Streaming Reach: Newly created fusion songs will be released globally on audio platforms.

Collaborative Sessions:
Songwriting, recording projects, residencies, and industry interactions.

Facets of GHAMMAK:
- Mehfil: Intimate gatherings of poets and musicians.
- Manch: Panel discussions on culture and creativity.
- Sangam: Live showcases of diverse traditions.
- Labs & Sessions: Residencies and recording collaborations.
- Frequencies & Amplify: Deep dives into sound engineering and industry insights.
- Score: Exploring music’s role in film, ads, OTT, and gaming.
- Honours: Recognition and awards for artists.
- Immersion: Connecting international talent with India’s creative ecosystem.

Performances & Masterclasses
- Hamsika Iyer, PMK Naveen Kumar (flute maestro), Merlin Dsouza (pianist/composer), Chandana Bala Kalyan (Carnatic vocalist), Shweta Pandit (Hindustani classical), Sabyasachi Deb (Coke Studio Bharat), plus ghazal, indie, and fusion artists.
- Masterclasses by Sameeruddin and others, offering practical industry insights.

Vision
Founder Thomson Andrews describes GHAMMAK as a platform born from the belief that “music remains one of humanity’s most powerful forces for connection.” The inaugural Indo‑Bhutan edition embodies this with the theme: One Exchange. Endless Possibilities.

This initiative is not just a festival — it’s a cultural bridge, positioning music as a tool for diplomacy, creativity, and shared identity. It’s fascinating to see how India is increasingly using cultural collaborations like this to strengthen ties with neighbors and showcase its creative industries globally.