Day 2 of Kaveri Meets Ganga
A Spectacular Celebration of India’s Cultural Heritage Under Amrit Parampara
The Ministry of Culture continues
its special festival series, Amrit Parampara, a grand initiative to unite India
through the shared legacy of art and culture. Following the successful
inauguration on 2nd November, the ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ program – the first in
the Amrit Parampara series – captivated audiences again on its second day at
Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka, showcasing performances that highlighted India's
traditional and folk arts in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
This festival
series, jointly organized by the Ministry’s autonomous institutions – Sangeet
Natak Akademi, Kalakshetra, and CCRT – brings together the best of South Indian
music and dance to North India, while also celebrating artistic traditions from
the North. The ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ program, held from 2nd to 5th November
2024, is inspired by Chennai's revered Margazhi Festival, reflecting the
diversity of Indian culture through a tribute to its traditional and folk arts.
The Ministry
of Culture is honoured to present this series with a focus on reviving
traditional art forms, particularly those that are fading. Through the
innovative use of immersive technology and modern presentation, Amrit Parampara
aims to create unforgettable experiences, honouring India’s artistic heritage
and Sardar Patel’s vision of unity in diversity. The two-year commemoration of
Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary adds a layer of national pride to the
celebrations, connecting his legacy with the festival’s message of unity.
The second
day’s events continued this celebration with a rich lineup of artists who
showcased the diversity and unity inherent in India’s cultural heritage.
At Kartavya
Path, the evening opened with an enthralling Shehnai performance by Jagdish
Prakash and his group from Delhi, filling the air with auspicious sounds that
set the stage for the day’s celebrations. Following this, S Radhakrishnan on
the Saraswati Veena and Mukesh Sharma on the Sarod showcased a mesmerizing
instrumental duet, combining the traditions of South and North India. The
audience was then treated to an exquisite Carnatic vocal performance by the
renowned duo Ranjani and Gayatri from Tamil Nadu, whose harmonies brought an
enchanting aura to the venue. The evening concluded with an energetic Kuchipudi
performance by Vasant Kiran and artists from Karnataka, bringing vibrant
storytelling through classical dance.
Simultaneously,
at CCRT Dwarka, audiences were captivated by the Symphony of Kalakshetra
Foundation from Chennai, which highlighted the richness of Carnatic music and
the depth of South Indian rhythmic patterns. The Symphony was followed by a
Classical Dance Ensemble from CCRT performed by Rahul Varshney and Team Soch
from Delhi, who combined dance forms to celebrate the cultural significance of
India’s traditions. The evening at CCRT ended on a reflective note with a
soulful Bhajan by Sooryagayathri, who brought devotional music to life with her
serene and heartfelt voice.
Amrit Parampara continues to be a remarkable festival
experience, providing audiences across Delhi a unique opportunity to engage
with India’s classical and folk arts in a modern, engaging setting. With a
lineup of performances designed to evoke both pride and nostalgia, the festival
fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for the diversity of Indian heritage.
The next two days promise an equally memorable journey through India’s cultural
landscape. Stay tuned for more updates.