'Sounds of Kumbha’ Album Enters Grammy Ballot for Best Global Music Categories
Digital Desk
A groundbreaking spiritual music project, Sounds of Kumbha, has officially landed on the ballot for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a historic moment for Indian devotional music on the global stage. The 12-track album, inspired by the sacred Mahakumbh Mela, is vying for top honors in Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance.
While the album is not yet a finalist, its inclusion in the “For Your Consideration” round positions it among the world’s most promising global music entries. Final Grammy nominations will be revealed on November 7, 2025, with the awards ceremony set for early 2026.
A Global Collaboration Rooted in Spiritual Tradition
Curated by music producer Siddhant Bhatia, Sounds of Kumbha unites over 50 artists from 12 countries, blending ancient Indian mantras, field recordings from the Kumbh Mela, and contemporary global sounds. The album features spiritual icon Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar alongside Grammy-winning and nominated artists including:
- Jim “Kimo” West (Grammy winner, known for work with “Weird Al” Yankovic)
- Madi Das (Grammy-nominated devotional artist)
- Ron Korb (Canadian flutist and world music veteran)
- Raja Kumari (Indian-American rapper and songwriter)
The project captures the emotional and spiritual journey of the Mahakumbh — from devotion and celebration to introspection and unity — through a fusion of traditional ragas, bhajans, folk instruments, and ambient soundscapes recorded live at the Sangam.
“This album is not just music — it’s a sonic pilgrimage,” says Bhatia. “We wanted to bottle the energy of the Kumbh and share it with the world.”
Grammy Submission: A Milestone for Indian Spiritual Music
The Recording Academy’s recognition of Sounds of Kumbha highlights the growing influence of Indian devotional and global fusion music in international award circuits.
The album was submitted earlier this year and has now advanced to the voting round, where Academy members will decide the final nominees.
Key highlights of the submission:
- Categories: Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance
- Status: On the official Grammy ballot (For Your Consideration)
- Nomination Announcement: November 7, 2025
- Collaborators: 50+ artists, including Grammy winners and spiritual leaders
Why ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ Stands Out
Unlike conventional world music albums, Sounds of Kumbha uses authentic field recordings from the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela — chants of sadhus, temple bells, flowing Ganga waters, and collective prayers — woven into studio productions with global instrumentation.
Tracks explore themes of:
- Faith and devotion
- Cultural unity
- Inner transformation
- Celebration of diversity
The album has already garnered praise from critics and spiritual communities worldwide for its authenticity and emotional depth.
What’s Next? Grammy Nominations and Global Release
As voting continues among Recording Academy members, fans and music enthusiasts are rallying behind Sounds of Kumbha on social media with the hashtag SoundsOfKumbhaGrammy.
The album is available on all major streaming platforms, with a special vinyl edition planned for early 2026.
