Women’s History Month – March 2025
About
Women’s History Month – March 2025
Come celebrate Women in Music all month at IME!
The Indian Music Experience Museum (IME) proudly presents the second edition of Women’s History Month, a festival dedicated to honoring and amplifying the vital contributions of women within the rich tapestry of Indian music.
Throughout history, women have been instrumental in shaping India’s diverse musical landscape. From the pioneering figures of Gangubai Hangal, Kesarbai Kerkar, and Mogubai Kurdikar, who bravely carved pathways for women in public performance, to the trailblazing artists of the courtesan and devadasi traditions, such as Gauhar Jaan (India’s first recording superstar), Bangalore Nagarathnamma (a champion of Devadasi rights and a dedicated Carnatic musician), and Akhtari Bai Faizabadi (Begum Akhtar) (a legendary Ghazal singer), women have consistently been at the forefront of musical innovation and preservation. The legacy of M.S. Subbulakshmi (a global icon) and D.K. Pattammal (a pioneer in rendering complex Carnatic compositions) within the carnatic music tradition are invaluable.
Outside the spotlight of public performance, women have been the essential keepers of community and folk singing traditions, safeguarding cultural heritage for generations. Practices like Jakkari, Ropani, and Kajari are predominantly sustained and passed down by women.
Despite their profound impact, women’s contributions to Indian music often remain underrecognized. IME’s Women’s History Month festival aims to illuminate their stories, celebrate their achievements, and acknowledge their enduring influence. This year’s festival not only celebrates historical icons but also showcases contemporary women musicians who are fearlessly pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
The 2025 edition celebrates powerful legacies and contemporary voices. Featuring performances by Padma Shri Dandamudi Sumathi, Grammy-nominated Varijashree Venugopal, Rimpa Siva, Wild Wild Women, Lavani, and Vidya Shah, alongside documentaries honoring Annapurna Devi and Seetha Ratnakar, and the rich tradition of community singing from Bihar and Haryana.
The festival is open and free for all.
Date:
07th – 30th March 2025
Venue:
IME Performance Theatre,
IME Museum,
Brigade Millennium Avenue,
JP Nagar 7th phase,
Bengaluru – 560078