The sacred banks of the Ganga in Prayagraj are set to resonate with the soulful strains of classical music and the vibrant energy of folk dances this January. In a significant move to blend spirituality with cultural heritage, the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture has curated a special two-day artistic spectacle for the ongoing Magh Mela. The department has invited celebrated artistes from across India to perform, aiming to elevate the religious congregation into a grand national platform for the country's diverse artistic traditions.
A Stellar Line-Up for Two Evenings of Cultural Bliss
The cultural extravaganza will be held on January 4 and 5, 2024, at the Ganga Pandal within the mela area. Each evening promises a unique tapestry of performances designed to captivate the pilgrims and visitors attending the month-long mela.
The inaugural evening on January 4 will be headlined by the renowned Padma Shri awardee Malini Awasthi from Lucknow. Her powerful folk renditions, deeply rooted in Awadhi and Bhojpuri traditions, are a major draw. The stage will also feature a diverse array of talent:
- Ram Jaanam from Varanasi with a captivating shankh vadan (conch shell performance).
- Folk singing by Sangeeta Mishra and Uday Chandra Pardesi, both hailing from Prayagraj.
- A classical vocal recital by Varun Mishra of Lucknow.
- A vibrant folk dance (Dhedhiya) performance by Kriti Srivastava from Prayagraj.
- An elegant Kathak presentation by Neeta Joshi of Lucknow.
Sufi Melodies and Classical Rhythms on Day Two
The cultural programme on January 5 will shift its focus to mesmerising Sufi and classical forms. The spotlight will be on Chandigarh-based Sufi singer Mamta Joshi, whose soulful voice is expected to attract large audiences. The evening's schedule includes:
- A keyboard performance by Vijay Chandra from Prayagraj.
- Classical Dhrupad singing by the esteemed Pandit Vinod Dwivedi of Kanpur.
- Folk singing by Harpreet Kaur from Varanasi.
- A dynamic folk dance (Diwari–Pai Danda) by Vipin Yadav of Mahoba.
- A classical dance or dance drama presentation by Shubham Tiwari from Lucknow.
Blending Faith with Cultural Celebration
This initiative by the state's culture department is a strategic effort to reposition the Magh Mela as more than just a pivotal religious event. Officials stated that the goal is to establish it as a national platform for India's rich folk and classical art traditions. By integrating such a high-calibre cultural programme, the mela transforms into a holistic experience where spiritual devotion meets artistic appreciation.
The move is expected to not only enrich the experience for the millions of devotees but also to attract tourists and culture enthusiasts, showcasing Uttar Pradesh's commitment to preserving and promoting its intangible cultural heritage on a grand stage.
