The Bishnupur Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music, the only specialist method of Indian Classical Music of Bengal, originated in the 13th Century following the Dhrupad tradition. Once the domain of the Malla Kings who owed allegiance to the Mughal Empire, Bishnupur has historically been the cultural capital of Eastern India. Bishnupur Music Festival, an unique initiative of West Bengal Tourism Department, pays homage to the pioneers of the tradition and keeps the rich cultural tradition alive.

The Bishnupur gharana remains the only vocal gharana of West Bengal. Today, the Bishnupur Music Festival, a unique initiative of the West Bengal Tourism Department, pays homage to those long-ago pioneers, and keeps the rich cultural heritage of the land of the Malla kings alive. At par with the Khajuraho or Konark Dance Festivals in terms of popularity and reach, the festival draws some of the finest names in contemporary Hindustani classical music.