Tricity Celebrates 55th All-India Bhaskar Rao Nritya & Sangeet Sammelan

The 55th edition of the All-India Bhaskar Rao Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan took place from March 12 to 14, 2024, at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, captivating audiences with a rich array of classical performances. Organized by the Pracheen Kala Kendra, this festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious classical arts events in the region. For the first time in its history, the festival will also be held in Vadodara on March 21 and 22, extending its cultural reach beyond its traditional home.

The Vadodara segment serves as a tribute to Bhaskar Rao Bhakhle, a former faculty member at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. This expansion highlights the festival’s commitment to celebrating the legacy of Indian classical music and dance. The Sammelan aims to unite the three main forms of classical tradition: gayan (vocal), vadan (instrumental), and nritya (dance).

During the three-day event in Chandigarh, the festival featured prominent performances from esteemed artists. The opening night kicked off with a vocal recital by Vidushi Indrani Mukherjee, followed by a captivating Bharatanatyam performance led by Vidushi Vidhya Subramanian and her troupe. The subsequent evenings continued to showcase a variety of performances, including sitar by Pt Purbayan Chatterjee, flute by Pt Ronu Majumdar, and Odissi dance by Guru Sharmila Biswas.

Sajal Koser, secretary of Pracheen Kala Kendra, expressed the significance of the Sammelan in enhancing Chandigarh’s reputation on India’s cultural landscape. He noted, “The Sammelan has played a significant role in placing Chandigarh prominently on India’s cultural map.” Koser also emphasized the extensive outreach of the organization, which includes over 3,800 affiliated institutions across India and abroad, with more than 300,000 students participating in its examinations.

Looking ahead, Koser shared plans to diversify the festival’s offerings. “We are planning to include theatre and Western classical music in the festival,” he stated. Additionally, the organization is in the process of establishing a Centre for Cultural Excellence, aimed at further enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

The All-India Bhaskar Rao Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan not only showcases the vibrancy of Indian classical arts but also reinforces the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary society. The festival’s success in Chandigarh sets a promising precedent for its upcoming event in Vadodara, ensuring that the legacy of classical music and dance continues to thrive across different regions.