NISTHA RAJ | FOUNDER, DIrector & CURATOR

Nistha Raj is a Strathmore Artist in Residence alum and multi-hyphenate creative — a dynamic force in the arts world who excels as an arts and cultural programmer, educator, community builder, and musician. As the Founder and Director of District of Raga, Nistha has been instrumental in preserving and promoting South Asian performing arts, curating innovative programs that foster meaningful community engagement. Under her leadership, District of Raga has provided a platform for South Asian artists to perform on prestigious stages including Wolf Trap, The Smithsonian Asian Art Museum, Strathmore, and The Kennedy Center.

Recognized as “Best Eye for Great Music” by Washington City Paper and named one of District Fray Magazine’s “DC Music Insiders to Know,” Nistha combines a grassroots approach with a global perspective to bridge cultures and create resonant artistic experiences. Her leadership in cultural programming was further acknowledged through her selection to the inaugural cohort of The Kennedy Center’s Culture Caucus, underscoring her commitment to advancing cultural diversity and inclusion.

Born to Punjabi immigrants and raised in Houston, Nistha’s musical journey began in temples, where all-night music sessions were central to worship. Inspired by her mother’s love of old Bollywood classics, she went on to train in both Western and Hindustani classical violin. This dual heritage informs her distinctive artistic voice — one deeply rooted in cross-cultural exchange and storytelling.

Today, Nistha continues to expand her impact through her advocacy for the arts and groundbreaking programming that redefines how communities experience South Asian culture.

Explore more about her work at www.nistharaj.com and www.districtofraga.com.

ADVAIT SHAH | CO-Founder

Raised in the US, Advait has been playing tabla since the age of eight. Largely a self taught musician, Advait has developed much of his musical knowledge and skill through listening to recordings and attending concerts. He received a basic training at the Faculty of Performing Arts of the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda during a trip to India in 1986. Upon his return to the USA, he began accompanying musicians in all genres of Indian music including Hindustani classical, ghazals, qawalis, film and devotional music. He later received advanced training from Ustad Tari Khan in Chicago, IL., and has had the opportunity to attend workshops taught by the great Ustad Zakir Hussain.

As an accompanist, he has shared the stage with Nisar Bazmi, Ustad Nafiz Ali Khan, Deepak Ram, Arun Ramamurthy and Pandit Subroto Roy Choudury, among others. Through his training and self study, Advait has developed a unique style which creatively blends a mix of East and West. Avi, as he is known in the music community, joined the NY based fusion band Karavika as the original percussionist, and he also plays with fusion alternative rock/Indian group Banyan Trees. Advait’s musical interests also extend to singing ghazals and Hindi film songs as well as playing the dhol, and other percussion instruments. Upon moving to the mid Atlantic region, Avi has performed in the dance and music ensemble Nootana, and later teamed up with violinist Nistha Raj and founded District of Raga in 2017.

MAthew poovan | OPERATIONS MANAGER

Mathew Poovan is a sitarist, educator, and creative producer whose work bridges the traditional and contemporary worlds of Indian music. With over two decades of training in North Indian classical music under Ustad Hamid Hossain and Enayet Hossain, Mathew’s artistry is rooted in a deep respect for tradition, complemented by an openness to innovation and collaboration.

A former District of Raga Spotlight Artist, Mathew brings the same spirit of connection and creativity to his role as Operations Manager, helping to shape programming, artist partnerships, and community events that celebrate the diversity and evolution of South Asian performing arts.

As a teacher, Mathew has spent over a decade guiding new sitar students across the country, fostering both technical skill and a lasting appreciation for the music’s emotional depth. He is also the co-host and producer of Raagstars, a podcast exploring the stories and sounds of the Indian classical community in the diaspora.

Offstage, Mathew works as a senior technical product manager focused on machine learning in the entertainment technology space, which mirrors his musical curiosity for how art and innovation intersect. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the scenes, Mathew is dedicated to keeping Indian classical music vibrant, relevant, and accessible for new generations.