Gujarat is a state of music lovers and has produced some of the best musicians of India. It is said that the legendary musicians Baiju Bawra and Tana Riri belong to the state itself. Narsinh Mehta, of the 'Vaishnav Janto' acclaim, also hails from Gujarat. He was a Vaishnavite poet of Junagadh and wrote songs in the praise of the Lord. His Gujarati compositions had a profound influence on the devotees. It is believed that he came in communion with Lord Krishna when he sung 'Raag Kedar'. 'Vaishnav Janto' was very dear to Gandhiji also and remains a musical marvel till date.

Besides, Gujar Tod, Bilaval and Khambhavati are the names associated with Gujarat. Veraval and Cambay are also state's contributions to classical music. Musicians like Ustad Faiyazkhan, Maulabux, the 'Been' player Rahim Khan and many others have shone the name of the state in the field of music. Apart from this, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur, one of the greatest exponents of Indian classical music, is also from Gujarat. Dahyalal Shivram's Sangeet Kaladhar and Adityaram Vyas's Sangeetaditya have also made significant contributions to Gujarati music.

Ahmedabad is also significantly touched by the musical wave. A number of concerts are organized in the city to promote folk music of Gujarat, among the masses. One of the major musical events is organized here by a local financial institution. It is a three day festival, devoted truly to classical music. The festival is attended by an astounding number of people, who listen to the Hindustani classical ragas, amidst congenial ambience. A traditional setting is created in an open theatre where listeners sit in a 'baithak' style and enjoy classical ragas.

The concert is known as "Sur Sandhaya Samaroh" and is one of its kinds in Ahmedabad. It is held on a regular basis, providing a platform for the people to interact with the maestros like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and the charismatic Zakir Hussain. The concert continues till midnight and is conducted on a massive scale, wherein all the modern facilities are provided for ensuring the closest rendezvous of the artists with the audience. Such events have broken the myth that the people of Gujarat are more concerned with wealth making and do not have an ear for music.

Gujarati Gazals....invariably comprises the integral part of the rich Gujarati Music, the renderings are very intense and they unfold melancholy, happy or romantic sentiments. Gazal is an expression of soothing melody and stirs up a whole new experience of emotions. It speaks the language of Love, Beauty and Tenderness. The element of profound sentiments, passion and play of words forms a Gazal. Today the scenario of Gujarati Gazals is revolutionary in its language, and is thought provoking! A composer relates his inner most emotions from core of his heart and produces a sublime harmony consolidating the overall mood and invoking appropriate sensitive responses from the listener! Sometimes there is a blend of reality and imagination, such soulful music unmistakably has an overwhelming effect. In 1943 Maha Gujarat Gazal Mandal was formed in Surat. Such organization gave existence to Mushairies!

Come experience the sheer ecstasy of the lyrics by : Gani Dahiwala, Shunya Palanpuri, Barkat Virani, Aadil Mansuri, Avinash Vyas, Saif Palanpuri in the haunting voice of: Manhar Udhas and Purushottam Upadhayay!

Bhajan is a song or a music composition, for worship or offering prayers to the Lord. These compositions have evolved from the times immemorial of Narsinh Mehta, Surdas, Mirabai and many such devotees, which have been preserved and carried forward from generations together! Such devotional songs never fail to stir within an overwhelming emotion of (worship) 'Bhakti' and 'Bhav'!

Garba is associated with Navratri!! The annual Navratri Utsav, or Festival of Nine Nights, converts the cities of Gujarat into light, color, dancing and music, during September-October. Navratri is held throughout Gujarat, at small villages as well as great cities. Amba Mata, the earth goddess bestowing strength and power against the forces of evil, enjoys special attention during Navratri by Pooja in picsles and dances of the Ras Garba tradition. These dances normally begin at eleven at night and continue till dawn, at various sites, in different areas in each city.

Marriage!!...a time for everyone to rejoice and make merry. Also the time for family and friends to celebrate and be the part of the joy of this Special Occasion. In the intricacies of Gujarati tradition, singing Songs on this day has its own flavor! Lagna Geet adds more joy to this occasion!!!