PT. Nandan Mehta Shastriya Taal-Vadya Spardha

26th February is the birth date of Pt. Nandan Mehta, the founder of Saptak and renowned tabla player of Banaras Gharana. Saptak, in association with Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy, Government of Gujarat has taken the initiative of organising All India Level Tabla - Pakhawaj competition every year in memory of Pt. Nandan Mehta, which is named ' Pt. NANDAN MEHTA SHASTRIYA TAAL-VADYA SPARDHA'.
The competition is held on 24th and 25th February every year, followed by a recital by renowned artists on 26th February. The established and renowned artists of the country constitutes the panel of judges. The first prize winner gets an opportunity to perform at the famous Saptak Annual Music Festival which is held in January every year since 1980. Other promising young participants would be given a chance in other Saptak events held during the year.

Pt. NANDAN MEHTA SHASTRIYA TAAL-VADYA SPARDHA : 2023

1st Prize : Rushikesh Undalkar (Pakhawaj), Onkar Todkar (Tabla)

2nd Prize : Dnyaneshwar Andil (Pakhawaj), Pavan Sidam (Tabla)

3rd Prize : Swapnil Suryawanshi (Pakhawaj), Sukant Krishna (Tabla)

Judges : Ustad Akram Khan, Pt. Dalchand Sharma, Ustad Rashid Mustafa Thirakwa