Mumbai will host the inaugural edition of GHAMMAK – India–Bhutan Cultural Music Exchange from 12th to 18th June 2026, bringing together artists, musicians and creative professionals from both countries for a week of music, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Presented in association with the Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property (DOMCIIP), Bhutan, GHAMMAK is an independently curated initiative that aims to strengthen cultural ties through music and artistic collaboration.
A delegation of nine renowned Bhutanese artists, cultural representatives and creative professionals will travel to Mumbai to participate in performances, songwriting sessions, workshops and industry interactions. Bhutanese musicians will present original compositions in their native language while showcasing traditional instruments such as the Dramyin and the Lim. Indian artists will perform original cultural music representing Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, Kolkata, Goa, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi traditions. The participating artists will also collaborate to create new fusion tracks that will be released on global audio and digital streaming platforms.
Founded by Indian contemporary singer-songwriter Thomson Andrews, GHAMMAK is envisioned as a long-term artist-led platform for cultural exchange, creative collaboration and international engagement. The initiative aims to connect artists and creative industries from across the world with their Indian counterparts, with future international editions already being explored.
The inaugural India–Bhutan edition is themed “One Exchange. Endless Possibilities.”
The festival will feature multiple segments, including Mehfil, intimate musical gatherings; Manch, thought-provoking panel discussions; Sangam, collaborative live performances; Labs and Sessions, where artists will create and record original music together; Frequencies, Amplify and Score, focusing on music production, the business of music and music’s role across films, advertising, OTT and gaming; Honours, recognising participating artists; and Immersion, connecting international artists and institutions with opportunities in India’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
The week-long programme will include live performances and masterclasses by leading musicians including flute maestro P. M. K. Naveen Kumar, playback singer Hamsika Iyer, pianist and composer Merlin Dsouza, Carnatic vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan, classical vocalist Shweta Pandit, indie artist Rishabh Panchal, recording artist Umesh Joshi, singers Anushka Mahanta, violinist Akshata, ghazal artists Yashraj Gandharv and Anita Bhatt, Coke Studio Bharat musician Sabyasachi Deb, and composer Sameeruddin.
The event will also host a series of interactive panel discussions and workshops covering themes such as cultural diplomacy, cross-border collaborations, India’s creative future, and the role of music in shaping communities and societies.
The festival will conclude with a grand finale showcasing highlights from the week, followed by the GHAMMAK Honours, Certificates of Participation and Special Recognition Citations.
Speaking about the initiative, Thomson Andrews said, “GHAMMAK was born from a simple belief—that music remains one of humanity’s most powerful forces for connection. Through this platform, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for artists, institutions and communities to learn from one another, celebrate cultural diversity & build relationships that endure far beyond the stage.”
