Music lovers in the city can look forward to a weekend filled with melody and rhythm.

The Takshila Education Society will organise the seventh edition of Takshila Utsav, a three-day event, starting Friday at the College of Arts and Crafts. Qawwali and Kathak performances will be among the highlights of the classical fiesta.

The inaugural programme will be by the qawwali group Warsi Brothers comprising Nazeer Ahmed Khan and Naseer Ahmed Khan. Sufiana qawwali, ghazal, thumri, bhajan and classical bandish would regale residents.

"Music has the power to overcome barriers. This event builds on the tremendous success of last year's show. We want to connect the younger generation to our Indian culture," said Sanjiv Kumar, secretary of Takshila Education Society.

Between the special performances, students of Delhi Public School will present contemporary dance.

On the second day, sitarist Kushal Das and vocalist Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar will perform from 6pm. Kalyanji Sur Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, a book written by music critic Gajendra Narayan Singh, will be released on November 28.

"We love this musical event organised by the society every year. They present an amalgamation of all music genres," said Divya Singh, who went to last year's show at the same venue.

The Patna Women's College student said: "Last year, I enjoyed the show with my friends but this year I am looking for more entertainment. My expectations are high and I hope it will not disappoint me."

Omar Hussain, a resident of Bailey Road who is in Patna from Pune on vacation, said: "I would love to watch the Warsi Brothers live. I extended my stay to attend this programme. I am really excited for this event and would also like to hear their energetic performance to Dama dum mast kalandar."

For the closing ceremony on Sunday, the organisers have slotted performances by Odissi dancer Madhavi Mudgal and vocalist Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi.

Samiksha, a Class XII student of Notre Dame Academy who's training in classical dance, said: "This event is going to be a learning experience for me. I want to keenly watch Mudgal's steps and learn from her. The key to every dance form is rooted in the classics. Indian dance is not something you just perform, it is a way of life."