The Mahakumbh Mela, one of India’s most revered gatherings, is set to witness an extraordinary cultural festival from January 16 to February 24. Titled “Sanskriti ka Mahakumbh” (Cultural Mahakumbh), this event promises to be a confluence of music, dance, and devotion, celebrating India’s rich heritage with performances by renowned artists and emerging talents.
The main attraction of this cultural extravaganza will be the Ganga Pandal, with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators. The inaugural day will feature a breathtaking performance by the celebrated Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan, who will enchant the audience with soulful bhajans and light music. Alongside him, renowned classical vocalist Prof. Ritwik Sanyal from Varanasi, Odissi dancer Vichtrananda Sween from Bhubaneswar, and sitar maestro Kushal Das from Kolkata will grace the stage with their artistry.
Highlights Across Pandals
The festival will unfold simultaneously at the Yamuna Pandal and Saraswati Pandal, showcasing diverse performances by regional and national artists.
At the Yamuna Pandal, students from Kashi’s Sanskrit schools will kick off the event with a Mangalacharan, a devotional invocation that will set the spiritual tone for the day. Performances by classical singer Sanya Patankar, traditional Alha ballad singer Sahiram Pandey, and Odissi dancer Arushi Mudgal will follow. Folk songs and dances from Uttar Pradesh and other states will also be featured, highlighting India’s vibrant cultural diversity.
At the Saraswati Pandal, the audience will be treated to the soothing melodies of Saurabh Banodha’s bamboo flute, along with bhajans by Shweta Dubey and Shruti Malviya. The traditional folk drama Nautanki, presented by Padma Shri Ramdayal Sharma and his 30-member troupe, will narrate the heartwarming story of Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama.
A Cultural Confluence
The Triveni Pandal, opening on January 21, will further enrich the festival with a blend of devotional and cultural performances, uniting artists from across the country.
Day One Program Highlights
Ganga Pandal:
- Prof. Ritwik Sanyal (Varanasi) – Classical/Light Classical Singing
- Vichtrananda Sween (Bhubaneswar) – Odissi Dance
- Kushal Das (Kolkata) – Sitar Recital
- Shankar Mahadevan (Mumbai) – Bhajans/Light Music
Yamuna Pandal:
- Sanskrit School Students (Varanasi) – Mangalacharan
- Sanya Patankar (Rajasthan) – Classical Singing
- Sahiram Pandey (Gonda) – Alha Singing
- Arushi Mudgal (Delhi) – Odissi Dance
- Sarita Mishra (Lucknow) – Folk Singing
Saraswati Pandal:
- Saurabh Banodha (Sonbhadra) – Bamboo Flute Performance
- Shweta Dubey (Varanasi) – Bhajan Singing
- Shruti Malviya (Lucknow) – Folk Singing/Bhajans
- Padma Shri Ramdayal Sharma (Delhi) – Krishna-Sudama Nautanki
A Celebration of Devotion and Heritage
With its vibrant blend of classical, folk, and devotional performances, Sanskriti ka Mahakumbh aims to preserve and promote India’s cultural legacy on the grand stage of the Mahakumbh Mela. Attendees can look forward to a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive experience, making this a must-visit event for art and culture enthusiasts.
For those planning to attend, the Sector-1 Parade Ground, the venue for the Ganga Pandal, will serve as the heart of this grand celebration, while the Yamuna and Saraswati Pandals, each accommodating up to 2,000 spectators, will offer equally enthralling performances.
Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the divine and artistic spirit of Sanskriti ka Mahakumbh!