Nov
Prime Feature
‘Sounds of Kumbha’ creates a milestone, nominated for the 68th Grammy Awards – Best Global Music Album category
Mumbai, 15th November 2025: In a significant achievement for the Indian music community, the recently released global spiritual album “Sounds of Kumbha” has been nominated for the 68th Grammy Awards in the Best Global Music Album category. This nomination represents an important milestone and highlights its role in bringing together diverse musical traditions and exponents into one transformative work.
The Government of Uttar Pradesh has commissioned the album as a cultural initiative in partnership with Network18, HistoryTV18, and globally distributed by Universal Music India, a division of Universal Music Group. The album features over 50 artists from around the world. It consists of 12 tracks and 12 music videos, each crafted to capture and celebrate the living spirit of the Mahakumbha, the world’s largest peaceful gathering.
Watch ‘Legend of Kumbha’ here:
Critics describe the album as a ‘sonic memoir’ of the Mahakumbha. It masterfully blends live field recordings from Prayagraj, ancient mantras, and contemporary music composed by Siddhant Bhatia, SoulTrax Studios in New Delhi.
Adding a unique aspect to the experience are binaural beats, which are carefully tuned frequencies designed for deep, headphone-led meditation provide an immersive journey that transcends time and tradition. This combination of sonic elements connects the rich heritage of ancient rituals with modern innovation, inviting listeners worldwide to celebrate cultural unity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
Watch ‘Wheel of Time’ here:
With 7 incredible producers, Siddhant Bhatia, Jim “Kimo” West, Raghav Mehta, Madi Das, Ron Korb, Charu Suri and Devraj Sanyal, the album features a uniquely talented group of collaborators. Inspired and graced by globally recognized spiritual leaders like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, global artists, Grammy winners and nominees like V. Selvaganesh, Raja Kumari, and other renowned Indian global musicians such as Aditya Gadhvi, Kanika Kapoor, Kala Ramnath, Bhanumathi Narasimhan, Pravin Godkhindi, Ajay Prasanna, Kalyani Nair, The Indian Choral Ensemble, Siroyi, Aarti Khetarpal, Tanya Saxena and Sushant Pujari have played their role in delivering an immersive musical experience. The album benefits from the mixing and mastering skills of P.A. Deepak, a two-time Grammy Award winner.
Producer and presenter Siddhant Bhatia shared his excitement over the accomplishment: “The Mahakumbha is the world’s largest festival of peace and we all witnessed a divine congregation of over 500+ million souls united in prayer and purpose. Its recognition by the Recording Academy at the Grammys through ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ is not just a milestone for Indian music, but also a celebration of global spirituality and humanity’s collective spirit. Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and with the blessings of all the great saints of India, this nomination is a tribute to oneness, reminding us that faith and music together can heal, unite, and uplift our world. I congratulate every artist, every team member, and everyone around the world who became part of this sacred journey called Sounds of Kumbha”.
Reflecting on this moment, Devraj Sanyal, Producer and Chairman & CEO of India SA; SVP Strategy, Africa, M. East & Asia for Universal Music Group, said, “The recognition of ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ by the Grammy Awards jury for a nomination in the ‘Best Global Music Album’ category is a monumental moment not just for everyone involved with the album, but for the entire South Asian music community. It signifies the power of music in crossing boundaries and connecting hearts, cultures, and histories. Siddhant Bhatia has managed to curate some of the most representative voices in world music including our own artists like Aditya Gadhvi, Kanika Kapoor, Raja Kumari, Yashraj, alongside a host of incredible musicians from India and overseas to come together and create a sonic that is new age yet rooted in the rich tradition of the country. At Universal Music India we are honored to be global partners & ambassadors of Sounds of Kumbh – a project that captures the magic of collective creativity and cultural dialogue.
‘Sounds of Kumbha’ now joins a prestigious list of internationally recognized recordings and is set to share its unique sonic journey with audiences worldwide. As the album continues to engage listeners with its rich sound, it establishes itself as a groundbreaking celebration of cultural heritage, deep rooted historical Indian traditions and global musical connections.
The Mahakumbha is the world’s largest festival of peace, and we all witnessed a divine congregation of over 500+ million souls united in prayer and purpose. Its recognition by the Recording Academy at the Grammys through ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ is not just a milestone for Indian music, but also a celebration of global spirituality and humanity’s collective spirit.
