‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2016’

Ministry of Culture, Government of India announced the second edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2016’ recently, which is to be held in the premises of the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (IGNCA) from October 15 to 23.

The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was conceived with an intent to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country in all its rich and varied dimensions – Handicrafts, Cuisine, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Documentation and Performing Arts-Folk, Tribal, Classical and Contemporary-all in one place. 

Accordingly, there will be a ‘ShilpHaat’ in which pavilions called “Aaangans” would be put up by each of the seven Zonal Cultural Centers (ZCCs) of the country as well as the Academies and IGNCA. In this ‘ShilpHaat’ master craftsmen from all over the country will display and sell their crafts to the general public and sale of the publications of these autonomous bodies on various aspects of Indian Culture is also a salient feature. Day-long performances of traditional performers of fringe-folk arts like ‘Behroopiyas’, ‘Baazigars’, ‘KacchiGhori’ etc will take place in the ShilpHaat and the rest of the campus. These artists are also known as ‘Maidaani Kalaakar’ as they perform in the open without any need for a stage. Facing the ShilpHaat will be a food court where masterchefs of traditional delicacies from different regions of the country will treat the visitors to an unparalleled culinary experience.

In the lawns opposite the ‘MaatiGhar’ and in the Art Gallery of the IGNCA, two photo exhibitions will run concurrently. One of these exhibitions is on Vandalism of places of historical and national importance. This exhibition will be as a part of the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. The second exhibition will be on the recently concluded ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’ showcasing its splendor and magnificence as well its importance in the cultural consciousness of the nation. Last, but not the least will be an opulent main stage in the open air stage area of the IGNCA campus where dance and singing performances by artists of National and International stature will take place.

In order to connect the youth, a massive exercise in the online and social media sphere is being undertaken and a mobile app for Android based smart phones has been designed, which was launched by the Culture Minister in the Press Conference. The Minister also informed the media that 150 performances of 10 ‘Nukkad Naatak’ all over Delhi carrying important sociocultural messages dovetailing the message of RSM with the performances.