Tansen Music Festival is an event organized to pay tribute to the legendary Hindustani classical singer known as Tansen. It is held in Gwalior state, and is a crucial event among the people and Hindustani musicians of Gwalior. The name of the events has been kept in honour of Tansen and is held every year in the month of November and December at his tomb. He was a popular and well known singer in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Gwalior is said to be the oldest school of music and an institution of traditional classical composition known as the Draupad style that was followed by Tansen. The music festival sheds light on the work of Tansen`s distinctive style of classical music that continues to mesmerize its audience.

History of Tansen Music Festival
As the name suggests, the festival is named after the great musical genius- Tansen. Ramtanu Pandey, the name by which Tansen is also known as, was one of the maestros in classical music. It is renowned for his skills as a singer, composition and also popularized traditional instrument `rebab`. This actually helped him to win a position among the nine gems in the Akbar court, and was bestowed with the title `Miyan` (which means a learned man) by Akbar. In the society of Gwalior, music is an important part, and the city has been successful in maintaining its age old musical culture. The festival was said to be started way back in the 1930`s and in time, has managed to lionize this iconic and historical personality.

Spread of Tansen Music Festival
This festival actually showcases the music style of Gwalior Gharana, which happens to be the oldest form of classical Hindustani music. It is also known as dhrupad style that once entranced the royal Mughal courts of Akbar. This music event helps to bring together many instrumental artists, along with others who have trained in this form of singing. The festival is held for 4 days and puts the audience into a melodious trance. Tansen Music Festival is overwhelmed by the performances of some of the finest musicians belonging to the Gwalior Gharana.

This event is said to be very popular among the people of Gwalior, and is presently organized by tourism authorities of Madhya Pradesh. The festival holds immense significance as it is organized in remembrance to `father of Hindustani music", Miyan Tansen. This musical event is held at the backdrop of the Tansen`s sepulchre that attracts not only artistes, but also inquisitive tourist trying to capture a glimpse of this regional cultural event.