Indian-American rapper, singer, and songwriter Raja Kumari has secured her second Grammy nomination, this time as a featured artist on Siddhant Bhatia’s Sounds of Kumbha. The album has been named a contender for Best Global Music Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026—an honor that highlights its unique fusion of spirituality, tradition, and contemporary sound design.
Sounds of Kumbha, released in November 2025, draws its inspiration from the Mahakumbha, one of India’s oldest and most revered spiritual gatherings. Conceived and composed by Siddhant Bhatia, the project aims to capture the emotional and cultural magnitude of the festival through a blend of ritualistic melodies, modern world music influences, and contributions from Indian and global artists. The album attempts to reimagine the sacred atmosphere of the Kumbh and translate it into a modern sonic experience that evokes devotion and unity.
For Raja Kumari, this nomination resonates deeply with her artistic evolution. Widely known for her signature mix of Indian classical elements with global genres like hip-hop and pop, she has spent the past few years leaning into devotional and introspective themes. Her 2024 spiritual album Kashi to Kailash marked a significant turn in her journey, setting the foundation for her role in Sounds of Kumbha. Contributing to the album felt like a natural extension of her creative exploration.
She recalls recording her portions of the project just days before traveling to the Kumbh Mela itself—a moment she describes as spiritually aligned. Meeting Siddhant Bhatia during this period reinforced the shared vision behind the album. According to her, the collaboration was born from reverence rather than ambition. “Kumbh is never over for me,” she reflects. “This album was created with pure devotion, without any expectations. Seeing it reach the Grammys is a sign that what’s created with faith always finds its path.”
This marks her second career Grammy nomination, following her earlier recognition as a songwriter for Iggy Azalea, and arrives at a transformative phase in her artistry. For someone who began as a classical dancer before emerging as an international voice, this moment serves as a bridge between her cultural roots and her global identity.
As she prepares to bring Kashi to Kailash to major cultural stages such as NMACC, the nomination reinforces her commitment to storytelling that blends sound, spirituality, and heritage—placing India’s timeless essence on the world stage.
