Ganga Descent and Kumbh Story to be Showcased at Kalagram

Mahakumbh Nagar: In a significant cultural initiative, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has established a unique cultural village called ‘Kalagram’ at the Sangam sands in Prayagraj for Mahakumbh 2025. Designed in the shape of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Kalagram aims to provide a vibrant platform for showcasing India’s rich folk art, traditions, and heritage.  Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, shared these details during a press conference at the Mahatma Gandhi Kala Vidika, NCZCC, Prayagraj.

A Cultural Village of Immense Significance

Kalagram, spanning over 10 acres in the Nagavasuki region on Bharadwaj Road, has been developed as a cultural hub to preserve, promote, and exhibit India’s tangible and intangible heritage. This site will become the center of Indian cultural heritage for devotees and tourists during Mahakumbh.

Kalagram will feature exhibitions of folk arts, handicrafts, music, dance, and thematic performances from various states, offering a profound cultural experience through captivating themes such as the story of Ganga’s descent and the mythological tale of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean).

Key Attractions of Kalagram

The venue brings together artists, craftsmen, and cultural practitioners from across India under one roof. It offers platforms for visual, performing, and literary arts. Highlights include:

  • Entrance Gateway: A massive 635-foot-wide and 54-foot-tall entrance showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
  • Cultural Narratives: National award-winning artists have created two colossal murals depicting the tales of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha.
  • Interactive Spaces: Designed courtyards displaying handicrafts and cultural diversity from India’s seven regional cultural centers.

Showcasing India’s Diversity Through Themes

Kalagram features themed pavilions where crafts and cuisines of each cultural region are displayed:

  1. Northern Region (NZCC): Art inspired by the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, Haridwar. Includes hand-carved wooden sculptures, brass Shiv Lingams, and handwoven woolen shawls.
  2. Western Region (WZCC): Modeled after the Brahma Temple, Pushkar. Highlights include traditional Rajasthani puppets and tie-dye fabrics.
  3. Eastern Region (EZCC): Influenced by Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, showcasing terracotta sculptures, Kantha sarees, and Pattachitra paintings.
  4. Southern Region (SZCC): Adi Kumbeswar Temple, Kumbakonam, featuring Tanjore paintings and brass lamps.
  5. North-Central Region (NCZCC): Inspired by Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain. Displays tribal arts and Chanderi sarees.
  6. North-East Region (NEZCC): Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, showcasing bamboo crafts and Assamese silk sarees.
  7. South-Central Region (SCZCC): Modeled after Ganga Godavari Temple, Nashik, featuring Paithani sarees and Warli art.

Performances and Culinary Treats

The 45-day cultural extravaganza will host over 14,632 artists, including Padma and SNA awardees, folk dancers, and classical performers. Cultural programs will take place from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM at Kalagram and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at other venues.

Additionally, 84 craftsmen and 14 culinary experts from various regional cultural centers will set up stalls offering authentic crafts and regional dishes.

Special Star Performances

The Ganga Pandals at Triveni Marg will feature 31 renowned artists from states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, presenting captivating performances.

A Spiritual and Cultural Feast

Starting January 12, Kalagram promises to be a vibrant reflection of India’s unity in diversity. It will offer an immersive experience of India’s spiritual and cultural richness to visitors at Mahakumbh 2025.

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