New Delhi   – The Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT Delhi) in collaboration with the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) is thrilled to announce the inaugural edition of Virasat 2024, a week-long festival dedicated to celebrating the timeless splendour of Indian classical arts and cultural heritage. This prestigious event will take place from August 12 to August 22, 2024, and will feature an exceptional lineup of performances, workshops, film screenings, and a heritage walk, offering a unique opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural legacy.

Event Overview:

1. Concert Series:

The festival will open with a series of mesmerizing concerts by some of the most respected names in Indian classical music and dance. Each performance promises to be a profound exploration of traditional art forms, bringing together the spiritual and the artistic in a truly unforgettable experience.

• Qawwali Performance by Nizami Sultan Ji Brothers – August 12, 6:30 PM: The inaugural concert will feature the internationally acclaimed Nizami Sultan Ji Brothers, known for their soul-stirring Qawwali performances that embody the Sufi tradition. Their powerful voices and deep spiritual expression promise to leave the audience spellbound.
• Flute Recital by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia – August 13, 6:30 PM: A living legend and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia will grace the festival with his ethereal flute recital. His mastery over the bansuri (flute) has redefined the possibilities of this instrument, making him one of the most revered figures in Indian classical music.
• Bharatanatyam Performance by Vidushi Geeta Chandran – August 15, 6:30 PM: Vidushi Geeta Chandran, a Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s foremost Bharatanatyam dancers, will perform a captivating dance recital. Her performance will delve into the profound expressions and intricate rhythms that characterize this ancient dance form.
• Dhrupad Recital by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar – August 16, 6:30 PM: The festival will also showcase a Dhrupad recital by Padma Shri awardee Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar. As a torchbearer of the Dagarvani tradition, Ustad Wasifuddin’s performance will offer a rare glimpse into one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music, known for its meditative depth and spiritual intensity.

2. Cinema Classics:

As part of the cultural celebration, Virasat 2024 will also include screenings of iconic films that

have left an indelible mark on global cinema. These screenings will be followed by discussions that provide deeper insights into the films’ themes and historical contexts.

• Screening of “Gandhi” by Richard Attenborough – August 14, 5:00 PM: This

Oscar-winning biopic, chronicling the life of Mahatma Gandhi, will be screened as part of the festival. The screening will be followed by an insightful discussion led by Dr. Payel C. Mukherjee, exploring the film’s portrayal of Gandhi’s philosophy and its relevance today.

• Screening of “The Great Dictator” by Charlie Chaplin – August 18, 3:00 PM: Charlie Chaplin’s timeless satirical masterpiece “The Great Dictator” will be screened, offering a blend of humour and poignant commentary on the rise of dictatorships during the early 20th century.

3. Workshops:

Virasat 2024 will offer a series of immersive workshops that invite participants to engage deeply with various Indian classical arts and crafts. These workshops are designed to provide hands-on experience and are suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

• Classical Music (Vocal) by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar – August 17-21: Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn the nuances of Dhrupad singing under the guidance of Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar. The workshop will cover the basics of vocal techniques, ragas, and the philosophy underlying Dhrupad music.
• Classical Dance (Kathak) by Vidushi Gauri Diwakar – August 17-21: Acclaimed Kathak artist Vidushi Gauri Diwakar, a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar-SNA Award, will lead a workshop on Kathak dance. Participants will explore the intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and rhythmic patterns that define this North Indian classical dance form.
• Madhubani Painting by Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar – August 17-21: National Award-winning artist Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar will conduct a workshop on Madhubani painting, a traditional art form from Bihar. Participants will learn the techniques and motifs characteristic of Madhubani, known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs.
• Yoga Workshop – August 17-21: The festival will also include a Yoga workshop, designed to help participants connect with their inner selves through the practice of asanas, pranayama, and meditation. The sessions will be guided by experienced instructors, providing a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.

4. Heritage Walk:

• Heritage Walk to Humayun’s Tomb – August 17, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Led by historian Ms. Aradhana Sinha, this heritage walk will take participants on a journey through the architectural marvel of Humayun’s Tomb, exploring its historical significance and the stories behind its creation.

Venue:

All events, including concerts, film screenings, and workshops, will be held at C-102, Lecture Hall Complex, IIIT Delhi. The heritage walk will commence from Humayun’s Tomb.

Registration:

Participants interested in attending the workshops and the heritage walk are required to register in advance. Registration forms can be accessed through the official websites of IIIT Delhi and SPIC MACAY.

Join Us: Virasat 2024 is an open invitation to all to immerse in the beauty and richness of Indian classical arts and culture. Whether you are a connoisseur of the arts or a curious learner, this festival offers something for everyone. Come, and celebrate the diversity and splendour of our cultural heritage!