Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 4: Renowned sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash have announced the release of their Holi-themed album, Colors And Celebrations, in collaboration with celebrated folk singer Malini Awasthi. The album is set to release on March 10, offering a unique musical interpretation of the cultural and spiritual significance of Holi.
In a statement, Amaan shared his excitement, saying, “This album represents our artistic interpretation of Holi’s profound cultural significance, beyond the surface revelry to explore its deeper spiritual dimensions. Each composition deliberately weaves multiple thematic elements—from the triumph of good over evil to the celebration of divine love between Radha and Krishna to the universal joy of renewal that comes with spring’s arrival.”
Ayaan elaborated on the creation of the album, stating, “Our approach was to create a complete sensory experience through sound. The interplay between sarod and voice mirrors the interaction between colour and canvas during Holi celebrations. We’ve employed specific ragas that evoke particular emotional colours—from the serene tranquillity of morning ragas to the passionate intensity of evening melodies.”
Regarding the collaboration with Malini Awasthi, Ayaan added, “Working with Malini ji has been transformative, as her profound understanding of folk traditions brings authenticity and emotional depth that complements our classical framework.”
As the seventh generation of the illustrious Senia Bangash lineage, established by their legendary father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash bring a unique classical perspective to their music. Colors And Celebrations will feature five intricately composed pieces that reflect the many facets of Holi:
- ‘Holi Hues (Hori Re Rasiya)’ – An exuberant celebration of spring’s arrival.
- ‘Divine Celebration (Hori Khele Raghuveera)’ – A devotional piece honoring Lord Krishna’s legendary Holi festivities.
- ‘Spirited Splashes (Rang Darungi)’ – A playful and rhythmically complex composition.
- ‘Crimson Flush (Sakhi Solah Hazaar)’ – A contemplative exploration of color symbolism.
- ‘Colours of Love (Rasiya Ko Naar)’ – A romantic interpretation of Holi’s emotional resonance.
Folk singer Malini Awasthi also spoke highly of the collaboration, noting, “Working with Amaan and Ayaan has been a profound artistic dialogue that transcends conventional genre boundaries. What emerges is neither purely classical nor folk, but rather a new musical language that honors both traditions of Awadh Brij and Banaras while creating something entirely distinctive.”
The album marks the beginning of the Bangash brothers’ highly anticipated summer 2025 international tour, which includes a residency at London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall.
Colors And Celebrations will be available on all major streaming platforms and for digital download starting March 10. Additionally, a specially mastered audiophile-quality 180-gram vinyl edition, featuring original artwork by renowned painter Paresh Maity, will be released in April 2025. A limited collector’s edition will include a hardbound book with scholarly essays on the history of Holi music, rare photographs, and detailed musical notation of the compositions.