Harihar Kshetra Sonepur is set to resonate with classical music, dance, and instrumental melodies on August 7th. This occasion marks the 57th death anniversary of Mahasant Baba Ramlakhan Das Ji Maharaj, on which the 86th Music, Instrumental, and Dance Conference will be organized by the Lok Seva Ashram Cultural and Art Forum, Sonepur. Renowned national and international artists will grace the stage, showcasing their artistic prowess.

Sant Baba Vishnudas Udaseen alias Mauni Baba, President of Bihar Pradesh Udaseen Mahamandal and manager of Lok Seva Ashram Sonepur, informed that the conference will commence with artists offering tribute ragas to late Sant Baba Ram Lakhan Das. Pandit Ramesh Mewal from Jaipur, Rajasthan, will adorn the evening with his classical singing, while Pandit Samiran Biswas from Kolkata, carrying forward the legacy of the Kirana Gharana, will delve into the depths of melodies. Dr. Swarnamay Chakraborty from Kolkata and Siddheshwar Bhaumik from West Bengal will also take the stage, with Bhaumik ji demonstrating his mastery on the harmonium alongside his singing. Devanand Thakur from Vaishali and retired District Judge Dinesh Sharma will captivate the audience with their semi-classical renditions. The sacred notes of Mangalacharan will be presented by artists from Bharti Sangeet Vidyalaya, Lalganj.

The tabla performance promises to be memorable, with Dr. Pandit Ankit Pareek from Jaipur showcasing his expertise in both tabla and pakhawaj. He will be accompanied by Master Subhankit Pareek from Jaipur, Jatileshwar Pareek from West Bengal, Lakshminarayan Ojha from Ranchi, Jharkhand, Sudip Chatterjee from Kolkata, and Aryan Shankar from Patna. In the string and wind instrument segment, Surmani Sujoy Bose from Kolkata will create a rainbow of ragas on the sitar strings, while the sweet melodies of Ustad Suman Kumar Nath's flute, arriving from Chittagong, Bangladesh, will convey a message of Ganga-Jamuni culture.

Many renowned Kathak artists will grace the stage, including Dr. Taruna Jangid from Jaipur, Ms. Jhilik Bhaumik from West Bengal, and Manjira Datta and Satamita Kunwar from Kolkata. Ms. Neha Bose and Priya Maity from Bangladesh will add an international flavor. Guru Pandit Apurva Kar ji from Kolkata will direct the group dance and recite the bols. Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh Gautam from All India Radio and Doordarshan Lucknow will serve as the announcer and convener. Acharya Chandra Kishore Parashar from Muzaffarpur and Ajay Singh from Lalganj will provide stage support. On August 1, 2026, a one-day Sundarkand Ramayana recitation will also be organized on the 27th death anniversary of late Sant Baba Ramdas Ji Udaseen. This Sonepur conference will prove to be a grand festival of music and rhythm for art lovers not only in Bihar but across the entire Purvanchal, witnessing a confluence of various gharanas and cultures.