Sacred Pathways connects Australia and India through music        

The Australian Government, in partnership with India’s Ministry of Culture, recently concluded Sacred Pathways: Where Ragas Meet Songlines, a landmark four-city concert tour celebrating the deep cultural connections between Australia and India through music.

Supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, and major partners Woodside Energy and the University of Sydney, Sacred Pathways brought together acclaimed First Nations Australian composer, vocalist and didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton, renowned sitar maestro, composer and cultural ambassador Pandit Shubhendra Rao, and acclaimed tabla player Nishit Gangani in a unique artistic collaboration. From 13 to 22 October 2026, Sacred Pathways travelled to Purana Qila in New Delhi, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru, Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, and the Royal Opera House in Mumbai, bringing together two of the world’s oldest continuing cultural traditions on some of India’s most celebrated stages.

Through original compositions and collaborative performances, the artists brought the distinctive sounds of the didgeridoo, sitar and table into musical dialogue, exploring storytelling, spirituality and cultural heritage. The collaboration demonstrated the power of music to create connections across cultures, while celebrating the unique traditions and contemporary creativity of both countries. Sacred Pathways also served as a curtain raiser to G'Day Namaste 2026, the Australian Government's flagship program showcasing contemporary Australia across India in December 2026.

(Acclaimed tabla player Nishit Gangani, renowned sitar maestro and composer Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Australian composer, vocalist and didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton after an artistic collaboration in Mumbai)