Sopan: Festival of young musicians and dancers

Sahitya Kala Parishad is coming back with the much-awaited Sopan Festival, a celebration of young and promising musicians and dancers that will take centre stage from January 18 to January 21, 2024. Hosted at the Triveni Auditorium, the festival features scholarship holders of Sahitya Kala Parishad, showcasing their expertise in classical music, dance, drama, and visual art. The festival will be inaugurated by Saurabh Bhardwaj, Minister of Art, Culture, and Language, Delhi Government.

The first day will feature Ameen Khan’s Hindustani classical vocal, Madhyama Segal’s Odissi, Krishna Babu’s Mohiniattam, Nanda Kumar’s contemporary dance, and Shivani Pandey’s theatrical skills. The second day showcases a blend of classical vocal, instrumental, and dance performances, including Suraj’s Hindustani Classical Vocal, Sani Niyazi’s Tabla, and Kathak ensembles by Abhishek Khichi and Akshar Tekchandani, respectively and Govind Mahato’s Chhau.

On the third day, the audience will be treated to Rekha Pandey’s Hindustani classical vocal, Tushar Goyal’s Tabla ensemble, Pragati Pandey’s vocal performance, Partha Mandal’s Kathak presentation, Devikaa Rajaraman’s Bharatanatyam, and Kuleshwar Kumar Thakur’s Chhau piece.

The festival culminates on the fourth day with performances by Moni Jha, Vivek Bhola’s Hindustani classical vocal, T. Reddi Lakshmi’s Kuchipudi presentation, Ashmita Mishra’s Kathak, and Meera S. Unnithan’s Bharatanatyam, followed by an amazing theatre act by Amarjee Rai.

Talking about the Sopan festival,  Saurabh Bhardwaj, Minister of Art, Culture, and Language, Delhi Government, said, “When the vibrant talents of today’s youth unite, dedicating their time and energy to championing our traditional Indian art forms like dance, music, and instruments, it fills us with immense pride and joy. Sopan Festival is one of the most anticipated youth festivals for both the artists and the audience. It fosters a deeper connection with our roots.”

Monica Priyadarshini, Secretary, Sahitya Kala Parishad, said, “Through platforms like the Sopan Festival, we not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also empower the next generation of artists. Art transcends boundaries, and I am honoured to witness the boundless creativity and dedication of our talented individuals as they contribute to the rich cultural landscape of our country.”

When: 5:30 pm onwards; January 18- Jan-21

Where: Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House, New Delhi