Aarti Khetarpal's "Sounds of Kumbha" Garners Grammy Nomination, Igniting Indian Pride

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are generating considerable buzz, especially for the strong contingent of Indian and Indian-origin artists nominated this year. Among them, Aarti Khetarpal is garnering significant attention for her contribution to "Sounds of Kumbha," which has been nominated for Best Global Music Album. The album, presented by composer and producer Siddhant Bhatia, beautifully encapsulates the spiritual energy of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. The event was held in Prayagraj earlier in the year and drew over 600 million pilgrims. The Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Khetarpal's journey to the Grammys is unique. She is known for her work as an actor, model, and presenter in the Indian television industry. She has appeared in commercials with prominent figures like Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan, and has also featured in web series. Her appearance on "Sounds of Kumbha" marks a departure from her mainstream entertainment persona, highlighting her deep-rooted devotional practice and personal relationship with Krishna. On the album, she is introduced as "Aarti from Vrindavan".

"Sounds of Kumbha" was commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh government as a cultural initiative and produced in collaboration with Network18 and HistoryTV18, with global distribution by Universal Music India. The 12-track album is a collaborative effort featuring over 50 artists from India and abroad. It aims to capture the essence of the Maha Kumbh Mela through a blend of live field recordings from Prayagraj, ancient chants, and modern compositions created by Bhatia and SoulTrax Studios in New Delhi. Critics have described the album as a "sonic memoir" of the Kumbh Mela, integrating binaural beats to create an immersive and meditative experience.

Other notable Indian artists to watch out for at the Grammys 2026 include:

• Anoushka Shankar: The celebrated sitar virtuoso has earned two nominations this year, bringing her career total to 13. She is nominated for Best Global Music Album for "Chapter III: We Return to Light" and Best Global Music Performance for "Daybreak".
• Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar: Frequent collaborators with Anoushka Shankar, sarod maestro Alam Khan (son of the legendary Ali Akbar Khan) and percussionist Sarathy Korwar are also nominated for their contributions to Shankar's album and "Daybreak".
• Shakti: This Indo-American fusion band, known for blending Indian classical music with jazz, has also received a nomination.
• Charu Suri: Another talented Indian artist nominated for a Grammy this year.
• Siddhant Bhatia: Bhatia himself earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album for "Sounds of Kumbha".

The nominations of these talented artists highlight the increasing global recognition of Indian music and its rich cultural heritage. The diverse range of nominees, from classical to contemporary and devotional music, showcases the depth and breadth of India's musical landscape. The Grammy Awards on February 1st promises to be an exciting night for Indian music.