MUMBAI: February 3rd 2014 marks the '14th Barsi' of Ustad Allarakha fondly known as Abbaji. Once again artists from all over India and various other countries will come together at Shanmukhanand Hall to pay homage to this legendary Guru and Tabla maestro.

'Homage to Abbaji' is one of the major highlights of the classical music calendar for the last 13 years and is also one of the most popular percussion music events in the world.

Co-presented by Taj Mahal Tea, Reliance Foundation, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Ltd. and co-sponsored by Kotak Mahindra AMC Ltd., and hospitality sponsored by Orchid Hotel, the event will commence on 3rd Feb at 6.30 in the morning with Tabla Gurus and their disciples presenting the 'Taal Pranam', followed by a vocal performance by Abhishek Raghuram accompanied by Akkarai Subhalakshmi (Violin) and Arjun Kumar (Mridangam). The morning session will conclude with a spiritual tribute by Dr. N. Rajam and Zakir Hussain.

The afternoon session -Taal Tapasya- A tribute to Abbaji will feature performances by Sadanand Naimpally (Tabla), Anantha R. Krishnan (Mridangam), Satyajit Talwalkar (Tabla) and the Panchratna Sanai Tafa Mandal (Shehnai, Taasha and Sambal).

'Celebration',the evening session, will have performances by the Khol Drummers from Kolkatta, the Panchratna Sanai Tafa Mandal from Nagar and Lil John Robertsfrom the U.S. The grand finale of the evening will be the Jam Session led by Zakir Hussain, featuring several national and International artistes.

"Through these 14 years, we have had the good fortune of some of the greatest luminaries of Indian music bless this occasion representing many musical and rhythmic traditions from all across the globe" said Zakir Hussain. 3rd February 2014 will be no exception.