4 September 2024/

PRAGATI FESTIVAL: A MAJESTIC CONFLUENCE OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION IN INDIAN CLASSICAL ARTS

Sriradha Dance Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural event, the Pragati Festival, set to take place on Thursday, 12 September 2024, from 6:30 PM onwards at the Satyajit Ray Auditorium, ICCR-Kolkata.

True to its name, Pragati—meaning progress—this festival promises a transformative experience that celebrates the evolution of Indian classical arts while staying deeply rooted in tradition.

The event will be graced by distinguished chief guests, including: Scott Hartmann, U.S. Foreign Service Officer; Minakshi Mishra, Regional Director, ICCR-Kolkata; Vijay Prakash Chitturi, Director, Sri Prakash Educational Institutions, Andhra Pradesh; Dr. G.V. Subramanian, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Ram Babu, Culinary Expert. Celebrated gurus such as Smt. Sutapa Talukdar, Smt. Aloka Kanungo, and others will honor the festival with their presence.

The evening will commence with “I Rise”, a powerful performance by storytellers who use the arts to create dialogues for change within the community. Following this, an inspiring Odissi-Bharatanatyam production will premiere, highlighting the “Yoni”, the source of creation. The festival will then present a mesmerizing Manipuri duet, culminating in a dynamic performance by the all-male Rudrakshya Foundation Odissi group, under the guidance of Guru Bichitrananda Swain.

The evening’s performances will feature a captivating Odissi and Bharatanatyam duet by renowned artists Sriradha Paul and Santanu Roy, a mesmerizing Manipuri duet by Kankana Singh and Ivana Sarkar, and a dynamic Odissi group performance by the Rudrakshya Foundation from Odisha.

The Pragati Festival “I Rise” celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists. This promises to be an unforgettable evening of resilience, creativity, and progress, supported by a stellar lineup of performers and honored guests.

The Pragati Festival is dedicated to advancing Indian art and culture while remaining deeply connected to its origins. It provides a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and storytelling, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.