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LUCKNOW: Delhi-based composer Siddhant Bhatia is heading to the Grammys with Sounds of Kumbha, a 12-track musical documentation of last year’s Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, commissioned by Uttar Pradesh government. The pilgrimage saw millions converge for a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. What makes the nomination extra special is that Bhatia’s album competes in the Best Global Music Album category against Anoushka Shankar and the Shakti Band, making it an all-Indian face-off at the 68th Grammy Awards. Trained under Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan, Bhatia has also received a second nomination for his album Shayan in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category. “I am overwhelmed. Gods and saints have blessed me on the global stage,” he told TOI. Bhatia and over 50 artists created Sounds of Kumbha as a “sonic memoir” – field recordings from the pilgrimage grounds interlaced with Indian classical music, ancient mantras and binaural beats. Five Grammy winners joined the project, with Jim “Kimo” West and Ron Korb visiting India forthe first time. The album also features violinist Kala Ramnath, pianist Charu Suri, vocalists Aditya Gadhvi, Kanika Kapoor and Grammy nominee Madi Das, alongside spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The tracks were mixed and mastered by Grammy winner PA Deepak.
