Yuva Sur Sartaj (YSS) | National Hindustani Vocal Competition

Yuva Saaz Sartaj

Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental is DMF’s premier talent hunt dedicated to discovering and nurturing exceptional young instrumentalists in Hindustani Classical Music. In its inaugural edition, the competition welcomes aspiring artists in the Sitar and Tabla categories, offering them a prestigious platform to showcase their artistry before an esteemed jury of maestros.

Through a three-round selection process, YSS Instrumental aims to identify the finest young talent from across the country and support their musical journey. If you are passionate about Hindustani Classical Music and aspire to perform on a distinguished national platform, this is your opportunity to take the next step.

Yuva Sur Sartaj

Discover, Promote, and Support

Showcase Talent on a National Platform

Indian Classical Music Experts

Fufill Your Musical Dreams

All India level Hindustani classical Instrumental competition

Participation across two categories

Strings Category: Sitar

Age Criteria: 16 -25 years

Percussion Category: Tabla

Age Criteria: 16 -25 years

Three Stages

Stage 1: Online Application

Stage 2: Online Audition

Stage 3: Live performance at NCPA(Tentative)

Advisory and Judges

Tabla category: Pt. Yogesh Samsi, Ojas Adhiya

Sitar Category: Ut. Shahid Parvez Khan, Purbayan Chatterjee

Seamless 4-Panel Vertical Photo Collage (1)

Winner categories
for each
group

Tabla Category
Age Group : 16 to 25 Years

Sitar Category
Age Group : 16 to 25 Years

Prize (Cash Prize
and Mentorship
Support)

Winner: Rs. 1,50,000 Runner up: Rs. 1,00,000

— Panel of Judges

Every performance is shaped by those who listen deeply. Our panel of judges brings years of experience, love for the art, and a deep sense of fairness to every event.

Ut. Shahid Parvez Khan

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan is among the world’s most celebrated sitar maestros and a leading exponent of the Etawah–Imdadkhani Gharana. A seventh-generation torchbearer of this illustrious musical lineage, he began his training under his father and guru, Ustad Aziz Khan, displaying extraordinary talent from an early age. Revered for his signature gayaki ang—a style that emulates the nuances of the human voice—his performances are distinguished by exceptional virtuosity, emotional depth, and technical brilliance. A recipient of the Padma Shri, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan has performed at prestigious concert venues and festivals across the world, earning widespread acclaim for his contribution to Hindustani classical music. Alongside his illustrious performing career, he is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians through the SPK Academy of Music, carrying forward the rich legacy of the Etawah–Imdadkhani Gharana. As the Chair of the Grand Finale Jury for Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental 2026, he brings unparalleled artistry, wisdom, and a lifelong dedication to musical excellence.

Purbayan Chatterjee

Purbayan Chatterjee is one of India’s foremost sitar virtuosos, celebrated for his exceptional musicianship and his ability to seamlessly bridge the worlds of Hindustani classical music and contemporary global collaborations. A President of India Award recipient and the founder of the fusion ensemble Classicool, he has earned international acclaim through chart-topping recordings and performances with renowned artists including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, Herbie Hancock, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Antonio Sánchez, Shankar Mahadevan, and Jordan Rudess, among many others. Equally at home on the classical concert stage and in cross-cultural musical collaborations, he has performed at prestigious festivals across India and internationally, including the Roskilde Festival (Denmark), OzAsia Festival (Australia), and Traumzeit Festival (Germany). As a distinguished member of the Grand Finale Jury for Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental 2026, Purbayan Chatterjee brings a unique blend of classical excellence, global artistic vision, and a deep commitment to inspiring the next generation of instrumentalists.

Pt. Yogesh Samsi

Pt. Yogesh Samsi is one of India’s foremost tabla maestros, celebrated for his exceptional artistry as both a soloist and accompanist. Initiated into tabla by his father, the renowned vocalist Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, he later trained under Pt. H. Taranath Rao before undergoing over two decades of rigorous discipleship with the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, emerging as one of the leading exponents of the Punjab Gharana. His playing is distinguished by remarkable tonal clarity, rhythmic depth, aesthetic sensitivity, and a profound command over tradition. Over the years, he has accompanied some of the greatest stalwarts of Hindustani classical music, including Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and Pt. Birju Maharaj, while also performing at some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues. A dedicated guru and mentor, Pt. Yogesh Samsi continues to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the Punjab Gharana through his performances and teaching. As a distinguished member of the Grand Finale Jury for Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental 2026, he brings unparalleled expertise, artistic integrity, and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical musicians.

Ojas Adhiya

Ojas Adhiya is an acclaimed tabla virtuoso whose remarkable musical journey began in childhood, earning him recognition as one of India’s youngest tabla prodigies. Trained under Guru Mridangraj and mentored from an early age by legendary music directors Kalyanji–Anandji, he has developed a distinctive style marked by exceptional dexterity, tonal clarity, and remarkable versatility. Equally accomplished as a soloist and accompanist, Ojas has collaborated with some of the finest musicians across genres, including Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Anoushka Shankar, Begum Parveen Sultana, Ustad Rashid Khan, Kaushiki Chakraborty, and Rakesh Chaurasia. His contributions to Indian music have been recognized through several prestigious honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and recognition in the Limca Book of Records as India’s youngest tabla player. As a distinguished member of the Grand Finale Jury for Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental 2026, Ojas Adhiya brings exceptional musicianship, a contemporary artistic perspective, and a deep commitment to encouraging the next generation of classical instrumentalists.

Be A Part of the Journey

Registrations for YSS Instrumental 2026 are now open! Young Sitar and Tabla artists from across India are invited to showcase their talent on a prestigious national platform. Take the first step towards performing before an esteemed jury and becoming the Yuva Saaz Sartaj 2026. Register now!

YSS 2026 – A CELEBRATION OF EMERGING INSTRUMENTAL TALENT IN HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC

Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) is DMF’s premier talent hunt dedicated to discovering and nurturing the finest young instrumentalists in Hindustani Classical Music. YSS offers a unique platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent, gain mentorship from maestros, and take significant strides in their musical journey.

Yuva Sur Sartaj 2025 Winners

Yuva Sur Sartaj in Press

Testimonials from 2025 winners

Winner Sudeepto Chakraborthy

Group 1

1st Runner Up Meera Nilakhe

Group 1

2nd Runner Up Swarnadeep Ghosh

Group 1

Winner Satanik Chatterjee

Group 2

1st Runner Up Satyam Sinha

Group 2

2nd Runner Up Savni Parekar

Group 2

A LEGACY OF NURTURING TALENT

Speaking about the event, Kaushiki Chakraborty remarked, “The dedication and passion for Hindustani Classical Music displayed by these young artists reaffirm the timeless power of our traditions.” Rahul Deshpande and Pt. Abhyankar echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the bright future of Indian classical music.

DMF Founder and Zycus CEO, Aatish Dedhia, emphasized that Yuva Sur Sartaj is more than just a competition—it is a movement to sustain and celebrate India’s rich musical heritage. By fostering young talent and amplifying their voices through digital platforms, DMF is committed to ensuring that Hindustani Classical Music continues to thrive for generations to come.

For those who missed the live experience, the event was streamed on DMF’s social media platforms, reaching classical music lovers across the world. Stay tuned as we continue to support, inspire, and promote the rising stars of Hindustani Classical Music!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental 2026

What is Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental?

Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental is a national-level Hindustani Classical Music competition by Dedhia Music Foundation (DMF), dedicated to discovering and promoting
young instrumental talent across India.

Which instrument categories are included in YSS Instrumental 2026?

The competition is open in the following categories:

Sitar (Strings)
Tabla (Percussion)

Who is eligible to participate?

The competition is open to Indian nationals aged (16 -25) years (both inclusive), as on the cut-off date specified in the
competition rules.

How many rounds does the competition have?

The competition consists of three rounds:
● Round 1: Video Submission & Scrutiny
● Round 2: Live Online Performance (Zoom/Google Meet)
● Round 3: Grand Finale (Offline in Mumbai)

How do I register for the competition?

Participants can register by completing the online application form on the official YSS website and uploading the required
documents and performance video before the registration
deadline.

What should be the duration of the Round 1 video?

The performance video must be between 8 and 12 minutes in duration. Videos exceeding the prescribed duration may not be
considered.

Can I use electronic accompaniment?

Yes.

Sitar participants may perform with either a live Tabla accompanist or an electronic Tabla.
Tabla participants may perform with either a live
Harmonium/Lehra accompanist or an electronic
Lehra/Nagma machine.

Do I need to bring my own accompanist for the Grand Finale?

No.
For the Grand Finale in Mumbai, accompanying artists will be
arranged by Dedhia Music Foundation.
Participants are only required to bring their own instrument and
accessories.

Where will the Grand Finale be held?

The Grand Finale will be conducted offline in Mumbai before an esteemed jury and a live audience.

What are the prizes for the competition?

The winners will receive:
First Prize: ₹1,50,000
● 50% Cash Prize
● 50% Scholarship
Second Prize: ₹1,00,000
● 50% Cash Prize
● 50% Scholarship
All prizes are subject to applicable statutory deductions, including TDS.

Who will judge the Grand Finale?

The Grand Finale Jury comprises some of India's most distinguished musicians:

Tabla category: Pt. Yogesh Samsi, Ojas Adhiya

Sitar Category: Ut. Shahid Parvez Khan, Purbayan Chatterjee

Can I participate in more than one category?

No. A participant may register and compete in only one instrument category.

Can I change my submitted video after uploading it?

No. Once the registration has been successfully submitted, the performance video cannot be replaced or modified. Participants
are advised to carefully review their submission before completing the registration process.

Still have questions? We’re here to help! 

Email us at : info@dedhiamusicfoundation.in

Yuva Saaz Sartaj

Yuva Sur Sartaj

Discover, Promote, and Support

Showcase Talent on a National Platform

Indian Classical Music Experts

Fufill Your Musical Dreams

All India level Hindustani classical Instrumental competition

— Panel of Judges

Ut. Shahid Parvez Khan

Purbayan Chatterjee

Pt. Yogesh Samsi

Ojas Adhiya

Be A Part of the Journey

YSS 2026 – A CELEBRATION OF EMERGING INSTRUMENTAL TALENT IN HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC

Yuva Sur Sartaj 2025 Winners

Yuva Sur Sartaj in Press

Dedhia Music Foundation Crowns The Next Stars Of Hindustani Classical At Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024

DMF Celebrates the Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: Announces Winners at the Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024

DMF celebrates the next generation of hindustani classical vocalists: Announces winners at the grand finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024

DMF Celebrates the Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: Announces Winners at the Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024

महाराष्ट्र वादी

DMF Celebrates the Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: Announces Winners at the Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024

Dedhia Music Foundation Celebrates the Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: Announces Winners at the Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024

Dedhia Music foundation celebrates Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: announces Winners at Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj24

Dedhia Music foundation celebrates Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: announces Winners at Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj24

Dedhia Music Foundation Crowns Winners at Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024, Celebrating Young Hindustani Classical Vocalists

Quick Biz News

Dedhia Music Foundation Crowns Winners at Yuva Sur Sartaj 2024, Celebrating Young Hindustani Classical Vocalists

Dedhia Music foundation celebrates Next Generation of Hindustani Classical Vocalists: announces Winners at Grand Finale of Yuva Sur Sartaj24

Testimonials from 2025 winners

Winner Sudeepto Chakraborthy

Group 1

1st Runner Up Meera Nilakhe

Group 1

2nd Runner Up Swarnadeep Ghosh

Group 1

Winner Satanik Chatterjee

Group 2

1st Runner Up Satyam Sinha

Group 2

2nd Runner Up Savni Parekar

Group 2

A LEGACY OF NURTURING TALENT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Yuva Saaz Sartaj (YSS) Instrumental 2026

Still have questions? We’re here to help!

Be a part of Yuva Saaz Sartaj 2026 India’s Biggest Hindustani Classical Competition

Be a part of Yuva Saaz Sartaj 2026 India’s Biggest Hindustani Classical Competition

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