Dharamshala: The fourth edition of the Swara Mountain Arts Festival began on Tuesday (April 8, 2025) in the picturesque town of Dharamshala, drawing a vibrant mix of creative minds, artistes, activists and thought leaders from across India as well as international participants from countries like the Netherlands and Taiwan.
The Newz Radar, the first and only English digital news network based out of Himachal Pradesh, is the media partner for the event.
The festival seeks to promote awareness about the urgent need for ecological preservation while embracing a holistic sense of harmony with nature.
This year’s theme, “Rise for the Dancing Mother: Mother Earth & the Harmony of the Five Elements,” aims to inspire collective action for environmental conservation and foster a deeper connection with our planet.
The festival’s opening session focused on exchanging perspectives on the theme, with participants engaging in thought-provoking discussions. Starting from day one, the event is hosting four thematic workshops, each exploring the theme through different art forms, including Thangka painting, music, clowning and martial arts.
These workshops are being led by expert facilitators, offering participants a rich and diverse experience in each discipline.
Hosted by Jagori Rural Charitable Trust and One Billion Rising, the festival is being held at Jagori’s beautiful campus in Rakkar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The venue has been transformed into a vibrant space filled with colourful blooms, as people come together to inspire and support each other in this creative celebration.
Abha Bhaiya, Founder of Jagori Rural and Lead Visionary of the Swara Mountain Arts Festival, shared her thoughts, expressing deep gratitude and enthusiasm for the event’s growth and impact.
“The fourth edition of the Swara Mountain Arts Festival is a calling to each one of us as the citizens of this earth to heal the earth, pay tribute to it with compassion and creativity in order for her to rise to its eternal dynamic dance balancing all its five elements,” said Abha Bhaiya.
Throughout the evening, a series of performances added to the festival’s festive spirit. Artistes, including singer and guitarist Chirag Sharma, Himachali folk singer Urvashi Jamwal, American folk and jazz singer Siheun Song, and classical musicians Neeraj and Palash Dholakia, captivated the audience with their musical talents, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive celebration of culture and art.
The Open Gate evenings of performances will go on till April 11th at Jagori Campus in Rakkar and the Grand Finale of the Festival will be held at the Dharamshala Degree College Auditorium on April 12. All evening events are free for people to attend.
The Finale of the Swara Mountain Arts Festival will feature performances by world-renowned artistes, including:
Shovana Narayan – Padmashri Kathak Dancer & Guru
Sonam Kalra – Coke Studio Artist
Mangka Laihui – Renowned Manipuri Singer
Dashugs – Ladakhi Band blending Rock & Folk
Aditya Vardhan – Semi-Classical Dancer & Choreographer
And more.
The guest of honour of this evening on April 12 is expected to be Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamshala. The festival is hosted every year by Jagori Rural Charitable Trust and One Billion Rising.
Sunil Chadha
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