The cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru, renowned for its blend of technological innovation and rich cultural heritage, is all set to host a magnificent 10-day cultural extravaganza, Karnataka Kalotsava 2024. This event, organized by ArtMantram, a distinguished 25-year-old non-governmental organization, is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its artistic traditions.
Karnataka Kalotsava 2024 is poised to be an unforgettable “celebration of music, dance and theatre,” according to Raji Narayan, the president of ArtMantram. The trust, envisioned and initiated by IPS Jija Hari Singh, has been instrumental in nurturing and promoting the arts in the region. Raji Narayan, who has been leading ArtMantram for over 16 years, proudly states, “We are an NGO that is into promoting art and artisans, organizing events to create art awareness. We believe art is inclusive—it should be a part of society and accessible to everyone, not just the elite.”
Over the years, ArtMantram has successfully orchestrated in excess of 500 events, including workshops, programmes, and camps, with the goal of fostering a robust and inclusive art scene in Karnataka. “We have made a significant impact through our work,” Raji observed. Moreover, the inception of Karnataka Kalotsava serves as an embodiment of ArtMantram’s perpetual efforts. Raji asserts that this festival is an expansion of their day-to-day endeavors to engage the society with the arts.
The debut of Karnataka Kalotsava in 2020 marked a challenging yet innovative period for the trust as it navigated through the pandemic. The pioneering model embraced both physical and virtual platforms, thereby ensuring accessibility and drawing an enthusiastic response that, in turn, provided substantial support to artisans and artists whose livelihoods were severely impacted.
The multi-faceted activities organized by ArtMantram are not merely limited to performances and exhibitions. Raji elucidates their dedication to social causes, mentioning livelihood projects for tribals in Bandipur, unique art camps for underprivileged children, and therapeutic art programmes for young cancer patients at KIDWAI. The firm belief that art has healing powers is a cornerstone of their community initiatives.
The 2024 edition of the festival has been thoughtfully curated to take place at various venues around the effervescent city, ensuring that everyone can partake in this cultural feast. Among such venues, the esteemed Ravindra Kalakshetra will host an art camp where senior artists will engage in a three-day painting marathon, sure to captivate visitors and art enthusiasts alike.
Spanning over the 10 days, Karnataka Kalotsava will feature an impressive lineup of performances and events, promising to exhilarate and inspire audiences. The itinerary is as follows:
– February 9: Sammilana, a dance performance by the Rupesh Arangam Dance Ensemble at Samsa Bayalu, commencing at 6 PM.
– February 11: Naam Ghum Jayega, a music performance spearheaded by Ramachandra Hadapad and team at Samsa Bayalu, starting at 5:30 PM.
– February 12: Gulabi Gang, a thought-provoking Kannada play at Nayana Auditorium, beginning at 7 PM.
– February 13: A mesmerizing concert by the Invisible Orchestra at St Joseph’s School auditorium, Richmond Road, at 5:30 PM.
– February 19: Sita, Anjana Chandak’s gripping monodrama executed in Hindi, taking place at Level 6, Church Street at 6 PM.
– February 21: Turnarounds, an English play directed by the acclaimed Prakash Belawadi at BIC Auditorium, at 7 PM.
– February 24: An enchanting Dhrupad duet by the revered Umakant Gundecha and Anant Gundecha at Havyaka Sabhabhavan, Malleswaram at 5:30 PM.
Each event of the Kalotsava has been crafted to reflect the diverse and profound aesthetics of Karnataka’s art forms, beckoning art lovers and the general public to indulge in this cultural saga. The festival is open to all, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant artistic spirit of Bengaluru.
For additional details on the events and the festival, interested individuals can reach out to the provided contact number, 9740954366, to be a part of this grand celebration that honors not only the artistry and creativity thriving in the city but also the human spirit’s ability to connect through shared cultural experiences.
