‘Kala Pravah, A Series of Temple Festivals’, a wonderful confluence of Indian art, music, dance and Sanatan culture, was grandly inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan, located on the spiritual and cultural land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This two-day cultural festival, organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi at Parmarth Niketan in collaboration with the Culture Department of the Government of Uttarakhand, gave a unique glimpse of the rich tradition of Indian art, spiritual heritage and cultural diversity.
The festival started with recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and chanting of Vedic mantras by the sages of Parmarth Niketan. The sages of Parmarth Gurukul collectively recited Hanuman Chalisa. After this, Himanshu Damora, who was honored with the Youth Award of Sangeet Natak Akademi, conducted the program and congratulated everyone.
Famous folk singer of Uttarakhand, Hema Negi Karasi enthralled the atmosphere with her devotional bhajans. Parmarth Peethadhishwar, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati were welcomed with conch sounds. The festival was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp in the presence of special guests. On this occasion, Vice Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Haridwar, Prof. Ramakant Pandey, renowned folk singer awarded with Padma Shri and scholar Dr. Basanti Bisht, member of Governing Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi and many eminent personalities were present in dignified presence.
Amidst the melodious waves of Sankirtan in the Mahotsav, Parmarth Peethadhishwar, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati gave blessings and divine message. In the series of cultural presentations, Haveli Sangeet by Ratan Mohan Sharma of Maharashtra and Kathak dance on the theme of ‘Namami Gange’ was presented by Kathak Center of Delhi. These presentations connected the eternal tradition of Indian classical music and dance with the divine flow of Ganga and spiritual consciousness.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati said that India’s art, music and culture are the expression of India’s soul. Our art is not just a medium of entertainment, but a way of spiritual practice, ritual and connection with God. When music contains devotion, dance contains emotion and art contains spirituality, then it becomes a medium to connect hearts and create harmony in the society. Like the sacred stream of Mother Ganga, may our cultural traditions also flow continuously and reach the coming generations.
Dr. Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati said that art has no language or boundaries, art communicates directly from the heart. Music, dance and devotion connect us to our inner beauty, peace and oneness. India’s cultural diversity is our greatest strength. Such events keep our rich heritage alive as well as connect the new generation with their roots. When art is connected with service, meditation and dedication, then it is not just a presentation, but becomes a medium of change and consciousness.
‘Kala Pravah’ is not just a cultural event, but an important effort to celebrate India’s diverse artistic traditions, temple culture, spiritual values and cultural heritage on a common platform. This festival is connecting the new generation with its roots, traditions and the priceless heritage of Indian art and is also providing an opportunity to the artists to showcase their practice and talent.
Organized in the presence of Mother Ganga on the holy land of Parmarth Niketan, this festival is a celebration of the vibrant tradition of Indian culture, where art is not just an expression but a spiritual practice; Music is not just a voice but a medium to connect with God and dance is not just a movement but an expression of emotion, devotion and consciousness.
In the two-day festival, Vedic chanting by Rishi Kumars of Parmarth Niketan, Uttarakhand Bhajan by Hema Negi Karasi, Haveli Sangeet by Ram Mohan Sharma, Maharashtra, Kathak dance by Kathak Center Delhi, Bharatnatyam and Kathak by Namami Gange, Suchitra Balasubramaniam, Tamil Nadu-Harikatha, Patanjali University, Uttarakhand, Baul music by Kartik Das Baul, West Bengal etc. Performed.