The third day of Himachal Sangeet Utsav 2026, jointly organized by the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh, and Gayatri Dramatic Society, Shimla, saw a mesmerizing performance by renowned Punjabi and Sufi singer Manak Ali.
Belonging to the Patiala gharana, Manak Ali received his higher education at Khalsa College and trained under Ustad Khan Sahib Bakar Hussain. He is acclaimed for presenting works of Sufi saints such as Baba Farid (Sheikh Fariduddin Masood Ganj-e-Shakar) to contemporary Sufi poets like Shiv Kumar Batalvi in a unique style.
Manak Ali has performed extensively, including as a casual artist with the Shimla Music and Drama Division, at international festivals, and on major platforms like Radio Mirchi at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla. Through the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala and Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, he has showcased his talent across India and abroad, including England and European countries. On Thursday evening, his soulful performance won the audience’s heart with thunderous applause.
Bhanu Gupta, Joint Director of the Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh, shared that the five-day festival, running from 10th to 14th March 2026, will feature the famous Qawwali group Nizami Brothers on 13th March.
The third day of the festival highlighted Himachal’s vibrant cultural landscape, blending classical, Punjabi, and Sufi traditions to enthrall music lovers.
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