The National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) of IGNCA, in collaboration with the Janapada Sampada Division, is hosting the fourth ‘Nadi Utsav’ from September 22nd to September 24th, 2023, along the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi. This three-day festival will feature scholarly discussions, film screenings, presentations by eminent artists, puppet shows, book discussions, and more, highlighting the cultural significance of rivers in India.
Rivers have always held a revered place in Indian culture, forming the basis of life for millions and fostering civilizations. The ‘Nadi Utsav’ is an initiative by IGNCA to raise awareness about ecology and the environment. Previous editions were held in Nashik (Maharashtra), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), and Munger (Bihar) along the banks of different rivers.
The event’s chief guest is Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, with guest of honor Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami and special guest Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, a renowned environmentalist. IGNCA President Padmashree Ram Bahadur Rai and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, are the program’s chief patron.
The festival will commence on September 22 at 10.30 am at Umang Conference Hall, IGNCA. It will include discussions on various river-related topics, screenings of 18 films, puppet shows, and a book fair featuring river and environment-related publications. Awards will be presented to five of the 18 documentary films shown during the event. Cultural performances by Chandan Tiwari, Shweta Devendra, and others will entertain attendees.
Exhibitions will showcase ‘Sanjhi’ art depicting 16 Ghats of India, photography related to river civilization, and paintings created by Delhi school children reflecting their views on rivers. Cultural performances, including folk singing and dance, will add to the festival’s vibrancy and cultural richness.