Carnatic music performance with musicians in traditional attire

Sac Valley Margazhi Festival A Celebration of Classical Arts, Community, and Culture

Sacramento Valley's cherished annual celebration of Indian Classical Arts. Rooted in the spirit of the traditional Margazhi Utsavam of Tamil Nadu, our festival unites artists and art-lovers with music, dance, and devotion.

About Margazhi Festival

The month of Margazhi (mid-Dec to mid-Jan) is considered sacred in South Indian tradition — a time when devotional music, dance and sacred chants fill temple corridors before dawn.

The Margazhi Music Season in Chennai (also called the December season) is the world's largest cultural festival showcasing hundreds of concerts across the Sabhas (cultural organizations).

In this spirit, Sac Valley Margazhi aspires to create a similar festival in Sacramento — a celebration of the arts that brings together connoisseurs and performing artists alike. We invite the diaspora to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their heritage and reflect on the deeper purpose of the arts — not merely as entertainment, but as an expression, prayer, and offering.

Indian classical performance at Sac Valley Margazhi

About Performing

Sac Valley Margazhi is a tribute to the rich cultural traditions of India's classical arts, reimagined in the heart of Sacramento. Rooted in the spirit of the Margazhi season celebrated in South India, this festival brings together artists, audiences, and communities in a shared celebration of music, dance, and devotion.

Curated Performances

Featuring Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, Odissi, and more — solo, group, and thematic presentations by artists of all ages.

Temple Aesthetic, Local Spirit

Inspired by the December season in South India, our stage transforms into a sanctified space where art is an offering.

Inclusive Community Platform

We welcome dancers and musicians from all schools and backgrounds, promoting collaboration and unity in diversity.

Carnatic music vocal performance with traditional mridangam and violin accompaniment

Be Part of This Festival

Sac Valley Margazhi welcomes artists of all ages to be part of this celebration of classical arts. Join us in creating a vibrant cultural experience that honors tradition while fostering community connections.

We welcome:

Performers – Solo or duet submissions in Indian classical music and dance, Sampradaya Bhajan groups, Musical instrumentalists and Harikatha artists

Volunteers – Community support makes this possible

Learn more about Carnatic Music, Bharatanatyam, and other Indian Classical Arts at our festival.

Apply to Perform

This Year's Festival

Sac Valley Margazhi Festival Flyer

Join us for an exceptional celebration of Indian classical arts in the Greater Sacramento Area!

Apply to Perform

Our Collaborating Partners Pillars of Support

Sacramento Mahaperiyavaa Mandali Logo

Sacramento Mahaperiyavaa Mandali

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting Indian culture across North America. The Mandali organizes cultural and spiritual events in North America.

Kaladhaara Arts Academy Logo

Kaladhaara Arts Academy

A premier nonprofit dance academy based in Sacramento, established in 2011. Dedicated to teaching Indian classical performing arts—primarily Bharatanatyam—providing a nurturing space for the holistic development of children.

Giri Trading Logo

Giri Trading

A renowned Indian company specializing in products and services related to Hindu spiritual and cultural traditions, offering religious books, puja essentials, devotional music, and traditional art.

Council of Rancho Cordova Logo

Council of Rancho Cordova

The Council of Rancho Cordova is supporting cultural diversity within the community of the Sac Valley Margazhi festival.

Guru Krupa Logo

Guru Krupa

Guru Krupa is helping this event, providing support to make the Sac Valley Margazhi festival a success and promoting cultural heritage within the Sacramento community.

Shasta Foods Logo

Shasta Foods

Shasta Foods is a valued partner for the Sac Valley Margazhi event, supporting our mission to celebrate and promote classical Indian arts and cultural traditions in the Sacramento community.

Location & Dates

Venue

BAPS Annex
10548, Armstrong Ave, Mather, CA 95655

Dates

December 14–January 17
(Schedule to be updated once registration and audition is complete)

Admission

Free and open to all nationwide

Stay Connected

Join us in preserving tradition, inspiring youth, and building community — one performance at a time.

Get Involved

Contact Information

Email: sacvalleymargazhi@gmail.com

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