Celebrating the Universal Language
Birds chirping, a mild breeze making the leaves dance, a mother singing lullabies to help the baby sleep, or one of the fellow workers encouraging the group to continue singing, making the difficult job easier. It is the magic of music. Whether it is a lullaby or a bhajan, music meets us where we are. Every year on October 1, the world comes together to celebrate “International Music Day”, paying tribute to the art form that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. Music is believed to have evolved alongside language, possibly even before it. Rooted in tradition yet changing with time, sabhas are more than performance venues – they are cultural institutions. The numbers are staggering. Estimates suggest that there are approximately 8-12 million active music artists worldwide, a significant portion of whom are singers. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify are helping aspiring singers express themselves and reach their audience. On International Music Day, we don’t just celebrate sound. We celebrate connection.
Let The Song Rise Like The Sun, Dispelling Darkness.
From The Sama Veda.
Birds chirping, a mild breeze making the leaves dance, a mother singing lullabies to help the baby sleep, or one of the fellow workers encouraging the group to continue singing, making the difficult job easier. It is the magic of music. Whether you are humming a tune, dancing to a beat, or simply listening with intent, you are part of a global chorus celebrating it. Early humans likely began making music by imitating sounds from nature. The voice was probably the first musical tool used for rhythmic expression. Music is not just entertainment; it is a medicine for the mind, body, and spirit. Whether it is a lullaby or a bhajan, music meets us where we are. From tribal chants to symphonies, it remains one of humanity’s most profound and enduring creations. Music speaks to something deep within us all. Whether it is Thyagaraja, Beethoven, or the Beatles, music bridges generations and geographies. Experts estimate that there are over 180 distinct music genres globally, each with its own sub-genres, styles, and cultural roots. Every year on October 1, the world comes together to celebrate “International Music Day”, paying tribute to the art form that transcends borders, cultures, and generations—founded in 1975 by the International Music Council (a wing of UNESCO), at the initiative of Yehudi Menuhin, a legendary musician. Over 150 countries join in celebrating the music.
We Shall Endeavour to Turn Enemies into Friends,
When Brotherly Hate Will Give Way to Brotherly Love.
Yehudi Menuhin
Music is believed to have evolved alongside language, possibly even before it. The brain’s auditory and motor centres overlap, hinting at music’s deep connection to movement and emotion. Ancient texts, such as the Rigveda, contain hymns and poems intended to be sung. When you hear music you enjoy, your brain releases dopamine, creating the feeling of joy. You tend to choose music that matches your mood. Enjoyable music lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, helping you relax. When you are immersed in music you love, you enter a “flow state”- a zone of deep focus and contentment.
The concept of Nāda Brahma — “Sound is God” — emerges from Vedic philosophy, suggesting that the universe itself is born of vibration. The Chandogya Upanishad links music to meditation and self-realisation, describing how sound leads the seeker inward. In Indian tradition, music is not just an art – it is a path to spiritual awakening. Ancient scriptures across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism describe the power of music. India’s musical heritage is one of the oldest, encompassing both Hindustani and Carnatic music, and has reached millions. India’s villages echo with folk songs that mark every occasion – from harvests to weddings to festivals. India is blessed to have many icons, and to name a few, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Kishori Amonkar, M.S. Subbulakshmi and Lalgudi Jayaraman. Artists like A.R. Rahman and Ricky Kej blend Indian traditions with global flavour.
Rooted in tradition yet evolving with time, sabhas are more than performance venues – they are cultural institutions. Inspired by devotional traditions, the month-long Margazhi Festival became the heartbeat of sabha culture, with hundreds of concerts, dance recitals, and lectures. Music therapy uses sound, rhythm, and melody to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. It is not just about listening – it is about engaging with music to unlock healing.
The numbers are staggering. Estimates suggest that there are approximately 8-12 million active music artists worldwide, a significant portion of whom are singers. Over 100,000 new songs are uploaded to streaming platforms every year. India alone contributes over 20,000 original songs annually, created by more than 40,000 music creators. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify are helping aspiring singers express themselves and reach a wider audience. An estimate puts the annual revenue generated by the music industry at over ₹12,000 crore, with sound recording and publishing playing key roles.
The observations to celebrate music vary. Some European countries mark it on November 22, in France, it’s celebrated on June 21, and in Uruguay, it falls on October 10. Music is also celebrated on
On International Music Day, We Do not Just Celebrate Sound. We Celebrate Connection.
Toon: Shreya
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
Toonlogs posted on world music day can be accessed at:
World Music Day – SciComm @ NIAS
