New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is set to host the fifth edition of the Nadi Utsav from September 19-21, 2024, continuing its tradition of celebrating the cultural and ecological significance of rivers in Indian civilization.
Since its inception in 2018, Nadi Utsav has aimed to raise awareness about the importance of rivers, viewing them not merely as natural resources but as integral to India’s cultural heritage. The festival was first held in Nashik along the Godavari River, followed by events in Vijayawada (Krishna River), Munger (Ganges River), and Delhi (Yamuna River).
At a press conference, IGNCA officials provided insights into the upcoming celebrations. Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head of the Janapada Sampada Division, and Anurag Punetha, Controller of the Media Centre, highlighted the festival's goals. Punetha emphasized the deep cultural significance of rivers, comparing them to humans in their ability to renew and sustain civilizations.
The three-day festival will commence on 19th September at 2:30 PM with a screening of the documentary Yamuna: The Rivers of Gods and Humans, directed by Abhay Mishra. The inauguration ceremony will follow at 5:00 PM, featuring Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism.
Abhay Mishra described Nadi Utsav as a crucial effort to preserve traditional water wisdom, noting how modernity has often overshadowed our gratitude towards rivers. The event will include a documentary film festival titled My River Story, showcasing 11 films focused on riverine themes.
Additional highlights of the festival include a national seminar titled Rivers in Reverse – Making of a Lifeline, children’s art workshops, and an environment book fair dedicated to literature on rivers and ecosystems. Exhibitions will feature a photographic journey of the Kangsabati River, paintings by school students, and a display of traditional Indian boats.
Cultural performances will enrich the festival, with presentations by renowned artists such as Guru Smt. Kasturi Pattanaik (Odissi) and Guru Smt. Marie Elangovan (Bharatanatyam), alongside folk songs from Himachal Pradesh performed by Shri Vikrant Bhandral.
The Nadi Utsav promises to be a comprehensive celebration of riverine culture, offering scholarly discussions on ancient texts, riverbank heritage, and folk traditions, fostering a deeper connection between communities and their rivers.