This year marks the 16th Bengaluru International Arts Festival (BIAF), which will run over two consecutive weekends from March 22nd to 30th. When we spoke to Veena Murthy Vijay, the festival’s director, she revealed that this edition holds a special focus. BIAF is dedicating its platform to commemorate the birth centenary of the revered classical singer Pandit Kumar Gandharva. “Kumar Gandharva, although having spent most of his life in Madhya Pradesh, was born in Dharwad. We are taking this opportunity to celebrate his roots in Karnataka,” Veena expressed. In line with this, the festival has included a substantial number of Hindustani concerts that pay homage to his compositions.
Illustrating the continuous aim of the festival, Veena emphasized, “The mantra of BIAF since its inception has been ‘celebrating harmony through art,’ an endeavor to construct cultural bridges among nations and communities.” This sentiment resonates with Suma Sudhindra, also a director at BIAF, who highlighted the participation of international artists—from nations such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and England—in an earlier BIAF event this January.
The initial day of the festival promises to be a spectacle, opening with a jugalbandi featuring Suma Sudhindra on the veena and flautist Ronu Majumdar. On the environmental front, a tree-planting ceremony will actively involve student participation from various local institutions, continuing a 15-year tradition that now sees Marasarahalli being transformed from barren to verdant.
Another intriguing element of this year’s festivities is ‘Marma,’ a segment that delves into the rich tapestry of bhakti music from across India. This session will be highlighted by a performance from vocalist Bhuvanesh Komkali, who is the grandson of Pandit Gandharva. “My presentation this year is a dance drama named Silapadhikaram, which delves into myriad human emotions through the lens of a classic love triangle story,” Veena shared with fervor.
Bharatanatyam virtuoso Rama Vaidyanathan is set to grace the festival with ‘Pratibodhana,’ her latest dance production. The title translates to ‘awakening,’ and as Rama poetically describes, it comprises three potent compositions that explore the journey of spiritual awakening. Each piece offers a metaphorical interpretation – from the call to awaken from ignorance to the symbolic representation of Kashi as an abode of liberation.
The festival’s inauguration is scheduled for March 22 at 6 pm at the renowned Chowdiah Memorial Hall. The evening will witness the collaboration of artists such as B C Manjunath on the mridangam and Rajendra Nakod on the tabla alongside the aforementioned jugalbandi. Carnatic music aficionado Abhishek Raghuram will also deliver a performance, adding his artistry to the festival’s vibrant opening day.
Day two’s offerings begin with ‘Pratibodhana – The Awakening,’ featuring Rama Vaidyanathan and her disciples, followed by the dance drama revolving around Kannagi’s anklet. As the festival progresses, audiences will be treated to an array of music events, including a Hindustani vocal recital by Sangeetha Katti and a lecture-demonstration on Pandit Gandharva’s contributions by Nagaraj Havaldar.
Towards the festival’s conclusion, Bhuvanesh Komkali will present his Hindustani concert, serving as a vivid reminder of his grandfather’s musical legacy. The much-anticipated event will unfold at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Race Course Road.
The final day of BIAF, staying true to the ethos of ‘Go Green Bangalore,’ will witness the planting of saplings in Marasarahalli. This gesture symbolizes both the festival’s commitment to the environment and the nurturing of cultural roots.
For those eager to partake in this melding of art and tradition, additional information and tickets for the Bengaluru International Arts Festival can be accessed through the official website at www.biaf.co.in as well as on BookMyShow.
