MANDI (Munish Sood)
Thirty talented artistes from Sangeet Sadan in Mandi showcased the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh at the Republic Day celebrations held in Delhi, joining 5,500 performers from across the nation.
Their synchronised performance not only captivated audiences but also secured a prestigious entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest group dance celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
Under the guidance of Isha Dogra, music director of Sangeet Sadan, the group comprising 15 boys and 15 girls departed for Delhi on December 26.
After an intensive month of rehearsals and performances, the team returned to Mandi, bringing with them an unforgettable experience and immense pride for their contribution to the national event.
Himachal Pradesh’s strong presence
Out of 185 artistes representing various organisations from Himachal Pradesh, Sangeet Sadan had the largest delegation, reflecting the institution’s growing prominence in the cultural landscape.
This marks the second consecutive year that Sangeet Natak Akademi extended this prestigious opportunity to Sangeet Sadan.
Speaking to the media, Umesh Bhardwaj, Director of Sangeet Sadan, expressed pride in the students’ dedication and highlighted the institution’s consistent efforts in promoting traditional art forms.
The event was organised under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture with support from the North and Central Zone Cultural Centres.
Last year, only 10 artistes from the institution participated, but this year’s expanded representation underscored the growing recognition of their talent on the national stage.
Celebration of India’s cultural mosaic
This year’s theme, Jayati Jay Mam Bharatam, brought together artistes from diverse backgrounds to perform a group dance set to a song penned by renowned musician Shankar Mahadevan.
In addition to the group performance, artistes presented 54 regional dances, reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian traditions. Representing Himachal Pradesh, Sangeet Sadan enthralled audiences with a vibrant performance of the traditional Himachali Nati.
One of the highlights of the event was the group’s performance before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, earning them widespread appreciation for their artistry and cultural representation.
The team also participated in the full-dress rehearsal on January 23 and took part in the record-breaking group dance on January 24, which was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Artists Share Their Experiences
Upon their return, the artistes gathered to share their experiences with the media, describing the event as a transformative and unforgettable journey.
They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent their state on such a grand platform, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Basant Panchami celebrated with musical fervour
In a continuation of their cultural contributions, Sangeet Sadan organised a special musical event on Basant Panchami, marking the arrival of spring with melodious performances.
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a soulful rendition of Saraswati Vandana.
Shreya Bagga’s Kathak Tarana performance received resounding applause, while trainees captivated the audience with spring-themed songs like Navi Navi Pat Aayi, Nave Aaye Phool and devotional hymns such as Lagan Tumse Laga Baithe and Saanson Ki Mala, enveloping the atmosphere in the vibrant hues of the season.
List of Sangeet Sadan artistes who participated in Republic Day celebrations:
Durva, Shabbu, Shreya, Anjali, Lavisha, Saloni, Vishakha, Neerja, Bharti, Lokpriya, Katyayani, Priyanka, Santoshi, Nitika, Preeti, Vijay, Rohit, Mohit, Pawan, Lakshvinder, Nishant, Bobby, Rahul, Aditya, Jatin, Piyush, Bhuvneshwar, Himanshu, Akshay, and Hemant.
