Our Responsibility Is Elevating Uttarakhand Artists to the International Stage, says RK Singh

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• Pandav Folk Theater of Garhwal Enchants with ‘Chakravyuh’ at the Heritage Event.

• Sumeet Anand Delivers Dhrupad Performance in Virasat.


• Pt. Sajan Mishra and Pt. Swaransh Mishra Enthrall with Hindustani Classical Music at Virasat.

卐ॐ Hearty welcome to the friends coming to the first press Maha Kumbh HARIDWAR 06 january 2024 in the country – Coordinator Jeetmani Panuli
We heartily welcome the friends coming to the first Press Maha in the country. Maha Kumbh of the journalists of the country is going to be organized on the grounds of Pant dweep, Haridwar on January 06, 2024, regarding the problems of the press. This gathering will be organized for the journalists. Along with your demands, it will help in increasing your income and also to raise your lost reputation. In a short time, you should come forward and generate passion to interact with all the people associated with the press and get publicity for yourself and your district, state. Send us the mobile no. WhatsApp no ​​of our journalist friends at 7983825336 or email :pahadonkigoonj@gmail.com, so that the invitation card to come to the Maha Kumbh can be given to you in time in the capital of your state.

30 may 2021 to5 jun  2021  Likhwargavn

Pratapnagar, Tehri district ,

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0nCqZ1kRnYuGzjEXQfpsEnoxhYYnUoHsbdYxsHvudKeLdHbVdc6FXjHC66Y5a8cwil&id=100064540819089&sfnsn=wiwspwa&mibextid=RUbZ1f

1227 october2023 Shradh tarpan ta Haridwar  7jun to27 october2023 gandhi  park Dehradun 

Till now, information about the income and expenditure in organizing this charity program will be given in the press conference of each state. This will be the first Mahanayak program to be organized with transparency. You are fortunate that in your presence, efforts are being made to create something memorable for the coming generations. For financial support for the success of the program, you can paytam no 9456334283 Jeetamani a/c No, 705010110007648,IFSCode:BKID0007050,Bank of India Dehradun.  卐ॐ. Please send in the name of the coordinator.

 

File photo of the movement carried out from time to time

 

On November 4, 2023, in Dehradun, a press conference was convened to announce the Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023. The event was attended by notable figures including Mr. RK Singh, the Founder and General Secretary of Virasat, Mr. HK Awal, Executive Chef of Taj Rishikesh, Mr. Rakesh Rana, and Mrs. Priyamvada Iyer, the Media Incharge of Virasat. Mr. RK Singh initiated the press conference with a welcoming address, expressing gratitude to the media for their indispensable support, which has been instrumental in Virasat’s success and recognition. He emphasized the festival’s mission of preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural exchange, encouraging tourists from countries such as Russia and South Africa to visit. He expressed delight in the increasing daytime attendance at the festival.

Mr. Singh lauded the quality of the performing artists and highlighted Dr. Purohit’s significant role in translating the dialogues of Chakravyuh, a rendition of the Mahabharata by Pandav Folk Theater of Garhwal, Uttarakhand, into Garhwali.

He also noted the festival’s growing popularity, showcasing Kumaoni culture at an international level and its efforts to establish heritage as an international brand, thereby contributing to the local economy. The festival aspires to set new standards of excellence.

Mr. Singh highlighted the positive reception of millet-based food and street food offerings. Additionally, he dedicated the event to the memory of the late Shri Surjit Kishan, Vice President of Virasat, and emphasized his commitment to fostering collaboration among various organizations. Other attendees at the press conference included Arun Nainwal, Manager of Taj Anand Kashi; General Manager Nividen Kukreti; Chef Jitendra Upadhyay; Chef Ashwin; Vikas Nagar Hotel Manager from Taj Pilibhit; and Chef Harish from Taj Corbett.

The cultural program for the day commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest, Mr. A.K.Wahl, Trustee of Reach, Mr. R.K.Singh, General Secretary of Reach Virasat, and other members.

The ninth day of the Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023 featured the staging of Chakravyuh by the Pandav Folk Theater of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. This performance, depicting a scene from the Mahabharata, was organized with the assistance of Dr. Purohit, who translated the dialogues into Garhwali. The play was directed by Mr. Abhishek Bahuguna, with contributions from Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Gokarn Bamrada, Manish Khalli, Shailendra Methani, Mrs. Rekha, and Mrs. Babita. The traditional instruments, Dhol-Damau, and Hudka were played by Akhilesh and friends, as part of the performance.

The culture of the Garhwal region is deeply influenced by religious beliefs, and the Pandava dance, known as Pandava Leela, is a valuable part of its heritage. This ceremonial dance commemorates the journey of the Pandavas, bringing joy to the homes and villages of Uttarakhand during the harsh winter months. The dance signifies the commitment of the sons of Manu to preserve their culture by recognizing the difference between Dharma and Adharma. Pandava Nritya narrates the story of the Pandava brothers, including their birth and their journey towards Swargarohini Yatra, the ‘Journey to Heaven.’ The performance encompasses various episodes from the Mahabharata, such as Keechak Vadh, Narayan Vivah, Chakravyuh, and Genda Vadha. The Pandava dance culminates in a grand feast for the villagers, with the sacred weapons used in the play safely stored in a quiver.

Local artists portray the Pandava brothers, and symbolic figures known as ‘Nishans’ represent deities like Lord Shiva, Maa Rajeshwari, Nagaraja, and Lord Narayana. These artists dance to the rhythmic beats of Dhol-Damau, traditional Pahari musical instruments. It is believed that while performing the Pandava Leela, the cosmic energy of the Pandavas enters the bodies of the performers. The Kauravas’ clever war strategy, leading to the killing of Abhimanyu, is also depicted in the performance.

In the second part of the cultural program, Sumeet Anand presented Dhrupad singing. He began with an Aalap in Raga Yaman, followed by three verses. He also sang Chaital Devi Stuti, “Anandi Jagabandi, Tripura Sundari Mata,” in Dhamar Tal, and “Krishna Pad Lal Rangeele Khele Holi” in Sool Tal. Pt. Radhe Shyam Sharma played Pakhawaj, and Ritika Pandey played Tanpura to accompany him.

Sumeet Anand, a Dhrupad singer, hails from the Darbhanga tradition and has received extensive training from renowned Dhrupad singers in his family. He strives to present Dhrupad singing in a contemporary yet traditional form, emphasizing both melodic elaboration (alaap) and composition (pada).

Sumeet has broadcasted on All India Radio (AIR) New Delhi, performed Dhrupad recitals across India, and is an empaneled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). He has also showcased Dhrupad in international cities like Berlin, London, Prague, Budapest, and Paris. In addition to his Dhrupad singing, Sumeet collaborates with artists from various genres and shares his expertise in organizing and curating festivals.

The third presentation of the cultural program featured Hindustani classical music performed by Pt. Sajan Mishra and Pt. Swaransh Mishra. They commenced with Raga Jog, a khayal composition in Vilambit, Madhya, and Drut taal, accompanied by Pandit Dharmanath Mishra on harmonium, Shubh Maharaj on tabla, and Nitin and Yogesh on tanpura.

Swaransh Mishra represents the Banaras Gharana, a classical music tradition dating back 350 years. He received his training from his father, Padmabhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra, and has performed at various classical events and music festivals.

Apart from Hindustani classical music, Swaransh enjoys playing western instruments and composing music. He plans to release an album containing his compositions in the near future. He is also involved in writing, screenwriting, and music production.

Pt. Sajan Mishra, known for his Khayal style of singing, is part of the Banaras Gharana. He has a long history of showcasing his singing skills in India and abroad, performing in countries like Germany, France, the USA, the UK, Switzerland, Austria, Muscat, the Netherlands, the USSR, Qatar, and Singapore. The Mishra brothers have released about 20 music albums in the Khayal genre, semi-classical tappa, and various bhajans.

The tabla player, Shubh ji, comes from a family of musicians and has inherited his musical talent from both his maternal and paternal sides. He has performed on prestigious stages and accompanied renowned artists like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

The Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023, running from October 27 to November 10, provides a platform to experience classical music and dance from renowned masters. The festival features a crafts village, cuisine stalls, an art fair, folk music, Bollywood-style performances, heritage walks, and more. It offers an opportunity for people across the country to immerse themselves in India’s rich cultural heritage. Every aspect of the festival, from art exhibitions to musical performances, food, and heritage walks, reflects traditional Indian values.

Reach, established in Dehradun in 1995, has been organizing Virasat Mahotsav with the aim of preserving and promoting India’s art, culture, and heritage. The festival has played a vital role in reviving rural arts that were at risk of fading away due to a lack of audience. It has contributed to the preservation and modernization of traditional village traditions, including music, dance, crafts, painting, sculpture, theatre, storytelling, and cuisine. Virasat is making classical and contemporary arts recognized and appreciated.

Virasat 2023 promises to captivate and take participants on an unforgettable journey of music and culture.

For more information, please contact Vikas Kumar at 8057409636.