The Newz Radar is media partner for the event
MANDI: The much-awaited 4th Swara Mountain Arts Festival is set to culminate in a grand finale on April 12, 2025, from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm at the auditorium of the Government Degree College in Dharamshala.
This year’s festival embraces the theme “Rise for the Dancing Mother Earth & the Harmony of Five Elements”, spotlighting the synergy between art, activism and environmental consciousness. The Newz Radar is the media partner for the event.
Concept and vision
The Swara Mountain Arts Festival was conceptualised by Abha Bhaiya, the visionary founder of Jagori Rural Charitable Trust, and launched in 2022 in collaboration with One Billion Rising.
It has since become a platform for artistes, creative thinkers and communities to unite in the spirit of collective action, using art as a tool for advocacy, social change and environmental awareness.
“The fourth year of the Swara Mountain Arts Festival will rise for the Dancing Mother Earth, restoring the cosmic whisper of all five elements — the fundamental essence of all life forces. It’s a fierce call against war and violence, a collective prayer for peace,” says Abha Bhaiya.
Evening of mesmerising performances
The grand finale promises an unforgettable evening featuring world-renowned artists, including:
• Shovana Narayan – Padma Shri awardee, Kathak dancer and trainer
• Sonam Kalra – Acclaimed Coke Studio artiste
• Mangka Laihui – Renowned Manipuri singer
• Dashugs – Ladakhi Band blending Rock & Folk
• Aditya Vardhan – Semi-classical dancer & choreographer
The festival has previously hosted luminaries such as Mallika Sarabhai, Aditi Mangaldas, Shabnam Virmani, Navtej Johar, Piyush Mishra, Raj Zutshi, Palash Dholakia and Neeraj Dholakia, among others.
This year’s lineup continues the legacy of excellence, offering audiences a profound and transformative experience.
Pre-finale workshop from April 8 to 11
Leading up to the grand finale from April 8 to 11, 2025, the festival will host four full-day thematic workshops at Jagori Rural Campus, Rakkar.
These workshops aim to deepen engagement with the festival’s theme through hands-on artistic exploration:
• Music Appreciation Workshop – Understanding Indian Raaga Music
• Yangshak Martial Arts Movement Workshop – Exploring the Art, Philosophy and Inner Fire
• Sacred Art of Tibet – Introduction to Thangka Painting
• Clown Theatre Workshop – Exploring Expressive Arts for Change
These interactive sessions will bring together artistes, activists and community members to explore how art serves as a powerful medium for environmental protection, social justice and advocacy.
Open gate evenings: Invitation to experience art and activism
In addition to workshops, the festival will host open gate evenings from April 8 to 12, between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm at Jagori Rural Campus.
These intimate gatherings offer a chance for the community to engage with the festival’s themes through performances, discussions and artistic expressions.
About the organisers
Jagori Rural Charitable Trust is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering rural communities through education, advocacy and sustainable development.
With a strong focus on gender equality and social change, the organisation works to uplift marginalised communities, particularly in rural India.
One Billion Rising is a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. Through artistic expression, activism and community engagement, the campaign mobilises people worldwide to rise, dance and demand justice for a world free from violence and inequality.
As the Swara Mountain Arts Festival 2025 draws closer, art lovers, activists and cultural enthusiasts are invited to be part of this extraordinary confluence of creativity and consciousness.
Munish Sood
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