NITK Surathkal to Host Spicmacay Virasat-26 Cultural Festival Celebrating India's Rich Heritage
The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, is gearing up to host Spicmacay Virasat-26, a vibrant five-day cultural festival dedicated to celebrating India's classical music, dance, and traditional art forms. This eagerly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from February 4 to 8 at the Silver Jubilee Auditorium (SJA) on the NITK Surathkal campus in Mangaluru. The festival is open to the public and is expected to attract an audience of over 1,000 attendees across its duration, offering a unique platform to immerse in the nation's cultural legacy.
Inaugural Ceremony to Feature Distinguished Guests and Performances
The festival will kick off with an inaugural ceremony on February 4 at 5:30 PM, graced by notable dignitaries. Raghavendra S Bhat, the managing director and CEO of Karnataka Bank Ltd, and Padma Shri awardee Pandit M Venkatesh Kumar, a renowned Hindustani vocalist, will be the chief guests. The event will be presided over by Prof B Ravi, the director of NITK, along with other functionaries, staff, and students. Following the inauguration, Pandit Venkatesh Kumar will present a captivating Hindustani vocal concert, marking the official commencement of the festival and setting the tone for the cultural extravaganza ahead.
Diverse Performances and Educational Workshops Planned
Over the five evenings, audiences will be treated to a rich tapestry of performances by eminent artists representing various classical traditions. The lineup includes:
- Hindustani and Carnatic music concerts showcasing vocal and instrumental mastery.
- Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance performances that highlight the grace and storytelling of Indian classical dance forms.
In addition to the performances, the festival will feature interactive workshops designed to engage school and college students. These sessions aim to provide hands-on exposure to India's living traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding among the younger generation.
Reviving Cultural Heritage for All Ages
According to Prof Govinda Raj M, the dean of students' welfare at NITK, the primary goal of Spicmacay Virasat-26 is to revive and spread India's rich cultural heritage to a broad audience. He emphasized that the event is tailored to reach diverse groups, including school-going children, college youth, families, and the elderly. By making classical arts accessible and engaging, the festival seeks to bridge generational gaps and inspire a renewed interest in traditional art forms, ensuring their preservation and continuation for future generations.
