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October Octaves Back with 11th Edition This Weekend
The much-anticipated music festival, October Octaves, organized by 5M, is set to return for its 11th edition this weekend. Scheduled for October 11 at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts in South Bengaluru, the festival features an exciting lineup of artists, including the Chennai-based group Staccato and the musical duo ChaRitha, consisting of Chandana and Supreetha.
Overview of the Festival
Ramesh M, the founder and organizer of 5M, expressed his commitment to making each concert a unique experience. “Last year, we celebrated our tenth anniversary with two different types of concerts, so this time around, we will be presenting music in two different segments,” Ramesh stated. He highlighted the team’s efforts to meet the expectations of their growing audience, aiming to deliver performances that resonate across all age groups.
Event Highlights
This year’s festival will showcase music in two distinct segments. The first segment focuses on the popular trend of bhajan jamming, featuring professional, well-trained singers. ChaRitha will kick off this segment with their unique style, followed by Staccato, known for their signature sound. This marks the second performance for Staccato at October Octaves, having previously performed in 2021.
“We have planned the transition from ChaRitha to Staccato to ensure a seamless performance that appeals to both youngsters and families,” Ramesh added.
Ragini Series Returns
In addition to the main festival, 5M is also revamping their Ragini series, which had garnered significant success in the past. Originally launched as outdoor morning raga sessions, the series was renamed Ragini last October. Ramesh explained that these concerts offer an intimate setting, accommodating only 110 attendees, allowing for direct interaction with artists after the performances.
The lineup for the Ragini series this year includes renowned vocalists such as the Akkarai Sisters, S Subhalakshmi, S Sornalatha, Sikkil Gurucharan, and violinist Charumathi Raghuraman. The series is set to begin on October 25, featuring six concerts scheduled for the third Sunday of every month, concluding in March. Notable performances will include that of veena artist Ramana Balachander, who will open the series.
Focus on Pure Carnatic and Classical Music
The concerts in the Ragini series will run from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by breakfast. This format aims to benefit elderly attendees and those who wish to engage with the artists. “We designed this format where tickets include breakfast to provide attendees with the rest of the day for their activities,” Ramesh noted, highlighting the series’ commitment to promoting pure Carnatic and classical music.
This year’s Ragini series will also feature performances by the Kanchana Sisters, Ambi Subramaniam, Aniruddh Aithal, among others, maintaining a balance of instrumental and vocal music throughout its lineup.
Community Support
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales for both the October Octaves festival and the Ragini series will be donated to the Ananya Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing mental health issues. This initiative reflects 5M’s commitment to not only providing quality musical experiences but also supporting a worthy cause.
Details for Attendees
October Octaves ’26 will take place on October 11, beginning at 6 PM. Tickets are priced from ₹499 and can be purchased through BookMyShow.
As the festival approaches, the organizers and performers are gearing up for an unforgettable weekend filled with enriching musical experiences that are set to captivate audiences across Bengaluru.
