Mumbai is all set to welcome an emotional and melodious tribute to Indian music as ‘Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals’ returns for its 24th edition this weekend. Presented by Hungama Digital Media, the two-day annual musical event will take place on July 18 and 19.

The initiative is organised in aid of cancer patients and thalassaemic children by the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) and Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT), and this year’s edition promises to be a heartfelt celebration of music, legacy, and purpose.

As per the official press release, Khazana 2025 will pay a special tribute to two musical legends — Mohammed Rafi Ji, commemorating his centenary year, and tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji for his invaluable contribution to Indian classical music. Staying true to its core ethos of blending music with a mission, the festival will feature some of the most cherished voices in the ghazal space along with rising stars from the Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt.

The festival opens on Friday, July 18, with Rakshanda Khan anchoring the evening. Audiences will be treated to a touching duet by Anup Jalota and Barnali Chattopadhyay, followed by a performance from child artist Manaswi Pandey. The lineup also includes celebrated performers like Ajay Pohankar and Abhijit Pohankar, Sudeep Banerji, Kalpana Gandharv, Osman Mir and Aamir Mir. Emerging voices Hetvi Sethia and Saleem Raja, winners of the Khazana Talent Hunt, will also take the stage.

On Saturday, July 19, the performances will continue with a mix of seasoned artists and promising newcomers. The day’s lineup includes Talat Aziz, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Himaanshu Sharrma, and tribute performances dedicated to Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji by Rakesh Chaurasia, Shikhar Naad Qureshi, Ojas Adhiya and Sanjoy Das. The finale of the evening will feature stirring acts by Pratibha Singh Baghel and Rekha Bhardwaj, with additional performances by special mention winners Vipul Kumar Ruhela and Minnatullah Khan. The event will be hosted by Prachee Shah Paandya.

Khazana 2025 will be streamed live on the Hungama OTT app, as well as on the official YouTube and Facebook channels of Hungama Artist Aloud and the late Pankaj Udhas. For those unable to catch the live event, the musical journey will be made available on Tata Play Music, Airtel Xstream, and Airtel Play.

Speaking about her upcoming performance, singer Rekha Bhardwaj said, “There are very few platforms that continue to treat ghazals with the respect and care they deserve. That’s exactly why I always look forward to being part of Khazana.”

Veteran singer Anup Jalota added, “Khazana was born out of purpose. It brings together the voices of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, all on one stage.”

Nayaab Udhas, daughter of late ghazal legend Pankaj Udhas Ji, shared, “Although he’s not physically present with us, his spirit lives on in every note. The tribute to Rafi Saab and Zakir Ji captures everything he stood for — art, integrity, and compassion.”

Echoing this emotion, Hungama Digital Media’s MD Neeraj Roy said, “Khazana reflects our belief in music’s power to heal, connect, and inspire. As we remember the legendary Pankaj Udhas Ji, we also celebrate the timeless charm of ghazals.”