‘Sounds of Kumbha’ music albumgets nomination at Grammy Awards | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The sublime majesty of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has once again captivated the world, with the evocative music album ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ that resonates the essence of the mega pilgrimage earning a nomination at the 68th Grammy Awards.Delhi-based singer-composer-producer Siddhant Bhatia has earned a Grammy nomination for his album Sounds of Kumbha, competing in the Best Global Music Album category against the likes of Anoushka Shankar and Shakti Band. The album, inspired by the world’s largest religious congregation Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj, features 50 global artists and blends Indian culture with contemporary sounds.Talking to TOI, Bhatia said: “I am overwhelmed. Gods and saints have blessed me on the global stage.” Earlier, soon after the nomination was announced, a jubilant Bhatia posted on Instagram: “So thrilled to announce that ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ has been nominated in the Best Global Music Album category and ‘Shayan’ for the best contemporary instrumental album for the 2026 Grammy awards. 2 Nominations!!”“Beyond grateful to everyone who has been part of this amazing journey,” he added. The 12-track album was commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh govt and shot during the Maha Kumbh 2025.Senior IAS officer Shishir, who was the information director at the time of Maha Kumbh says: “It’s a moment of pride for the entire state. I am hopeful it will get the top honour.”The Grammy winners would be announced on Feb 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. CBS will air the award show and stream it live on Paramount+.Bhatia’s groundbreaking project unites over 50 global artists, including Grammy winners, to showcase the essence of Maha Kumbh, blending Indian classical, mantras, and binaural beats for a truly global experience. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also features in this landmark collaboration.It boasts of an impressive lineup of producers and contributors, including Bhatia, Jim “Kimo” West, Madi Das, Kanika Kapoor and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, among others. The album features a diverse range of artists, such as violinist Kala Ramnath, pianist Charu Suri, and vocalist Aditya Gadhvi. Grammy winner PA Deepak has mixed and mastered the album.“Our entire team had a unique experience at Maha Kumbh. The things that we saw were beyond imagination… There was cleanliness, drones, Domino’s pizza, ATMs and whatnot.. We had the best experience of our lives at Maha Kumbh,” he added.“Jim ‘Kimo’ West, Charu Suri, Ron Korb, Madi Das and Lars Moller, all Grammy winners, travelled to India for Maha Kumbh. Of them, Jim and Ron travelled to India for the first time and were fascinated by the beauty and aura of the religious extravaganza,” Bhatia added.The album is a unique “sonic memoir” of the Maha Kumbh, featuring tracks and videos that blend field recordings, ancient mantras, and contemporary compositions with binaural beats, creating an immersive experience.“The project reflects the state’s commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, digital governance, cleanliness, safety and security that helped transform the Maha Kumbh into a global cultural and spiritual marvel,” Bhatia, a disciple of Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan, the grandson of Ustaad Bade Gulam Ali Khan, said.Anoushka has picked up two nominations this year. Her single ‘Daybreak’ earned her a nomination for Best Global Music Performance, while her latest album ‘Chapter III: We Return To Light’ — a collaboration with Alam Khan and drummer Sarathy Korwar — secured a nomination for Best Global Music Album.Shakti, the renowned fusion group, has also bagged two Grammy nominations for their latest album Mind Explosion. This achievement is a milestone, coming on the heels of their 2024 win. Shankar Mahadevan, a key member of the band, dedicated this honour to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, co-founder of Shakti, saying it’s a tribute to the legendary musician.