Indian Music Takes Center Stage at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026

The global appreciation for India’s profound musical traditions has reached a significant new plateau. The recently announced nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1, 2026, confirm India's standing as a vital heart of the international music scene. This recognition highlights a space where ancient cultural roots and innovative contemporary ideas converge in perfect harmony.

The prestigious ceremony will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The list of nominees showcases a remarkable breadth of talent, underscoring the richness and diversity of the subcontinent's sonic landscape across multiple categories.

Anoushka Shankar: A Return to the Light

Sitar virtuoso and acclaimed composer Anoushka Shankar has secured two nominations, further cementing her legacy as a guardian of musical continuity. Her latest work, Chapter III: We Return to Light, is a collaborative effort featuring Alam Khan on sarod and Sarathi Korwar on percussion.

This album is vying for the coveted award in the “Best Global Music Album” category and also earned a nod in the “Best Global Music Performance” category. The record marks the third and concluding mini-album in a deeply personal trilogy, symbolizing an act of profound internal awakening.

Shankar reflected on the project’s meaning, stating that the work represented “a return to the light that was always with me.” She added that “Through music, I met my father again — and the Source of sound itself.”

Shakti: A Legacy Explosion

The legendary ensemble Shakti, featuring the powerhouse trio of Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, and the late master percussionist Zakir Hussain, has received double recognition. Their live concert recording, Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live), is nominated for “Best Global Music Album.”

This nomination carries particular weight as the album represents the final recording featuring Zakir Hussain, the soul of the group and tabla maestro, who sadly passed away in December 2024.

Guitarist John McLaughlin lauded the album as “our greatest achievement — a sonic prayer for brotherhood and the eternity of music.” This recording transcends mere documentation; it captures the living fabric of Shakti’s energy, where the East and West breathe harmoniously as one.

New Voices: The Modern Breath of Tradition

Beyond the established icons, the Indian presence among the nominees spans an increasing number of genres, highlighting a modern evolution of traditional sounds. Siddhant Bhatia is recognized for his unique project, Sounds of Kumbha.

This album draws inspiration from the acoustic environment of the Kumbh Mela, transforming the sounds of the massive crowds and sacred chants into a complex sonic mandala. Meanwhile, pianist and composer Charu Suri earned a nomination in the “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album” category for her project Shayan.

Shayan is a sophisticated synthesis of jazz and Indian ragas, utilizing improvisation as a crucial bridge connecting musical traditions across continents.

Music as a Path to Unity

The forthcoming Grammy ceremony will once again underscore a universal truth: music is not solely about accolades, but about the evolution of consciousness and craft. The parallel Premier Ceremony will honor the engineers, producers, and composers who meticulously build this temple of sound from thousands of subtle details.

The Indian nominees of 2026 confirm that in a world where musical boundaries are increasingly blurred, India remains a powerful voice of integrity, seamlessly linking the past, the present, and the infinite possibilities of sound.