Siddhant Bhatia’s ‘Sounds of Kumbh’ Scores 2026 Grammy Nomination

In a moment that underscores the growing global resonance of Indian spiritual and folk traditions, Sounds of Kumbh, helmed by Siddhant Bhatia, has secured a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The project, commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh government and released by Universal Music India, captures the living soundscape of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. Blending field recordings, ancient mantras and immersive binaural production, the 12-track album seeks to document what its creators describe as a “world heritage moment” through sound.

Siddhant Bhatia, who attended the Grammy Awards as a nominee, described the recognition as more than a personal milestone. In a post reflecting on the journey, he positioned the nomination as a validation of cultural storytelling rooted in Indian traditions but shaped for a global audience.

The album brings together contributions from over 50 global artists and producers, weaving Indian vocal traditions, folk textures and classical virtuosity with international collaborators. The result is an expansive sonic narrative that reframes pilgrimage and ritual as contemporary cultural exports.

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, India, Universal Music Group, and SVP Strategy, Africa, also weighed in on the achievement. He emphasised that being “on the Grammy lane” is less important than what artists represent and carry to the world stage. Referring to Sounds of Kumbh, Sanyal noted that the project transported the Mahakumbh’s living soundscape from the banks of Prayagraj to an international audience, reflecting the growing love and respect for South Asian music globally.

Recognition from The Recording Academy in the Best Global Music Album category signals a broader shift in how Indian spiritual and sonic languages are being received. The nomination, industry observers say, validates a model where rigorous production, institutional backing and cross-border collaboration can move narratives from the cultural margins to mainstream global platforms.

At a time when global music audiences are increasingly seeking authenticity and immersive storytelling, Sounds of Kumbh stands as a case study in how tradition, when thoughtfully documented and produced, can transcend geography. Beyond awards, its journey reflects the expanding influence of India’s spiritual and folk soundscapes in the international music economy.