Join us for a FREE evening of music to celebrate Diwali! We will be joined by TARANG, featuring Pt. Pankaj Mishra, Kavita Mishra, Tanjeer Alam Rajeeb and Aarya Mishra.

Doors will open at 6:30, with light refreshments and tea. The concert will start at 7:00.  There will be a chance to meet and talk with the musicians after the concert.

Questions about the concert? Contact Communications and Special Events Coordinator, Francis Tomkins, at Francis@LakeshoreArts.ca

This is not a ticketed event, and no registration is required. Seats are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

LSA will also be hosting a free craft activity on November 7 from 1 – 3:30 celebrating Diwali. Open to all ages and experience levels! Find out more at lakeshorearts.ca/event-calendar/diwali-community-hub

You can check out a teaser of Pt. Pankaj Mishra’s performance below:

Accessibility: Lakeshore Arts is located on the first floor of a building with 2 stairs at the entrance, and a non-automatic door. There is a ramp available upon request, please email Francis@LakeshoreArts.ca in advance if you require ramp access. Our bathrooms are located at basement level, only accessible by a flight of stairs. Our seating will be mixed between floor and chair seating as our musicians will be seated on the floor.

About the Performers

Pt. Pankaj Mishra

Pt. Pankaj Mishra

Pt. Pankaj Mishra is one of the foremost Sarangi virtuosos of his generation, carrying the proud legacy of the Banaras Gharana. Trained under the strict guidance of the legendary Pt. Mahesh Prasad Mishra of Banaras Gharana. Pankaj embodies the rare blend of tradition, depth, and emotion that defines the finest of Indian classical music.

Pankaj is a Visharad from Prayag Sangeet Samiti and an “A” graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan. Pankaj is celebrated for his soulful renditions and the rare finesse with which he brings the voice of the sarangi to life.

Currently based in Toronto, Canada, he has performed across India, the U.S., Canada, Most European countries, Kenia, and Trinidad, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. He has graced some of the most prestigious stages, including the Dover Lane Music Conference, Sangeet Piyasi, Swar Samrat Festival, and the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, Red Rocks, Ali Akbar College, and many more on the list.

A highly sought-after accompanist and soloist, Pankaj has collaborated with legends across genres—Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, Pt. Kumar Bose, Pt. Anindo Chatterjee, Vidushi Girija Devi, Ustad Tari Khan, Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, and Pt. Birju Maharaj, to name just a few. Equally revered in Classical, Ghazal, Kathak, and Bollywood & Hollywood circles, his versatility and mastery have made him a global ambassador of the sarangi.

Pt. Pankaj Mishra’s artistry reached a landmark achievement with his contribution to the GRAMMY Award-Winning 2026 — IMMERSED (Album from Canada). His sarangi performance brings depth to the album, bridging Indian classical tradition with a contemporary global soundscape.

With every performance, Pt. Pankaj Mishra offers more than music—he offers a journey into the soul of an ancient art form, carried forward with grace, brilliance, and devotion.

Kavita Mishra

Kavita is an accomplished vocalist with a rich musical heritage rooted in the renowned Banaras Gharana. She is the granddaughter of the distinguished Sarangi player, the late Pt. Kashinath Mishra, and the daughter of Pt. Vidya Bhushan Mishra. Kavita received early musical training under her grandfather’s guidance. A Gold Medalist from Ranchi University, Kavita is known for her unique tonal quality and expressive vocal style. Her repertoire includes Ghazals, Bhajans, Old Bollywood melodies, and traditional folk songs from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. She has performed extensively across India, including in Kolkata, Banaras, Prayagraj, Lucknow, and other cities. Since moving to Toronto, Kavita has continued her musical journey through numerous live and online performances. Her Canadian performances include the Harbourfront Festival and Durgabari in Toronto, The Great India Festival and Sai Temple in Ottawa, Triveni Mandir in Brampton, India Festival in Waterloo, Calgary Raagmala, Kalibari, and Maja Prentice Theatre in Mississauga, and numerous private concerts and cultural events across Ontario. With her distinctive voice, versatile repertoire, and deep connection to Indian musical traditions, Kavita continues to share and celebrate the richness of Indian music with audiences in Canada and beyond.

Tanjeer Alam Rajeeb

Born in a musical family, Rajeeb was always involved in music since childhood, and the root for inspiration and guidance. Rajeeb has been playing tabla and percussion all over North America for the last 30 years. He has been widely appreciated by singers and musicians worldwide. Rajeeb has a great interest in arranging and composing music. Rajeeb is a disciple of world-renowned tabla maestro Ustad Abdul Sattar Tari Khan. Apart from the USA, He has traveled to Portugal, England, and Bangladesh as a tabla artist to perform. Rajeeb has worked in the supply chain industry in Toronto for the past 20 years, currently working as an international trade compliance analyst for a leading food company.

Aarya Mishra

A 10-year-old Kathak student, Arya was born into a musical family in India. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in learning Kathak and developed a strong passion for it. Aarya trained in Kathak under well-known Pt. Sandip Mallick for nearly two years through online classes. She then continued her training with Pt. Hemant Panwar in Toronto, where she is further developing her skills and love for Kathak. Aarya has already performed at several cultural events in Canada and continues to learn and grow as a young Kathak dancer.