A special festival series titled Amrit Parampara, a grand celebration to unite India through art and culture, is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, had inaugurated the first program ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’, under the Amrit Parampara Series, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ brought the best of dance and musical traditions from South India to North India. It also showcased artistic traditions from North India in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’.
Amrit Parampara aims to celebrate traditional arts and art forms of India with special focus on declining and dying art forms and traditions across performing arts, visuals arts and literature. It is to be by curating innovative programs anchored in traditional art forms with modern packaging and technology based interactive and immersive experiences.
A series of programs under the umbrella campaign Amrit Parampara also planned across various monuments and locations of Delhi in the near future. Autonomous institutions of Ministry of Culture- Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kala Kshetra & CCRT (The Center for Cultural Resources and Training) jointly organized the ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ program.
Established in 1979, CCRT is one of the premier institutions working in the field of linking education with culture.
Commenced on 2nd November 2024 at iconic locations, including Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka, the festival showcased India’s folk and traditional art forms in a captivating series of performances.
‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ is also a tribute to the essence of the renowned Margazhi Festival, that takes place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu during the Margazhi month of the Tamil calendar.
Scheduled up to 5th November, the program featured a distinguished lineup of traditional performances. Audiences experience everything from Nagar Sankirtan and Govardhan Puja from Braj to Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Bharatnatyam by celebrated artists, and folk traditions such as Pancha vadyam and Theyyam from Kerala.
Notable performances by renowned musicians like Rakesh Chaurasiya on flute and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on sarod, Carnatic vocal by Renjini Gayatri, Bharatanatyam by Rama Vaidyanathan & Minakshi Srinivasan, Symphony by Kalakshetra Chennai promise to make this a truly memorable celebration of India’s cultural diversity.
The year 2024 also marks the beginning of a two-year commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel, the Ironman of India. The celebration served as a testament to his remarkable achievements and the spirit of unity that he epitomized.
A country as diverse as India is symbolized by the plurality and diversity of its culture. Each region has its own unique cultural flavor but also integrates seamlessly to be part of the tapestry of Indian culture much like Sardar Patel’s vision of India.
The Amrit Parampara series is designed to promote the continuity of India’s cultural legacy through four key pillars: Foundation of Bharatiya Sanskriti; Blend of cultural education and entertainment; Synthesis of diverse ideas; and, multi-sensory experience.
Each performance celebrated this commitment by highlighting the art forms and cultural expressions that embody India’s timeless spirit. With its immersive, technology-driven approach, Amrit Parampara provided audiences with an innovative and sensory experience, blending traditional artistry with modern-day presentation.
The Amrit Parampara festival promised to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together art, history, and innovation. Upkeeping the rhythm and fervor, the next days of the fest also captivated audiences again.
There remained a rich lineup of artists who showcased the diversity and unity inherent in India’s cultural heritage. On the second day, the evening opened with enthralling Shehnai performance by Jagdish Prakash and his group from Delhi, filling the air with auspicious sounds. Following this, S. Radhakrishnan on the Saraswati Veena and Mukesh Sharma on the Sarod showcased mesmerizing instrumental duet, combining the traditions of South and North India.
The audience was next 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. An energetic Kuchipudi performance by Vasant Kiran and artists from Karnataka brought vibrant storytelling through classical dance.
Simultaneously, audiences were also 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 Shri Rahul Varshney and Team Soch from Delhi, who combined dance forms to celebrate the cultural significance of India’s traditions.
With performances designed to evoke both pride and nostalgia, the festival brought a sense of unity and appreciation for the diversity of Indian heritage. The next two days also promised an equally memorable journey through India’s cultural landscape.
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Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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