‘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 honored 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, honoring 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 Shri 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.