The Indian Museum in Kolkata is hosting the sixth edition of Sahaj Parav - The Root Music Festival on February 16 and 17. The festival was launched in 2014 by Dohar, a group of musicians, and Lopamudra Productions led by renowned singer Lopamudra Mitra.
Ever since then, it has established itself as an integral part of Kolkata's annual cultural scene by offering a platform to nearly 100 folk artists from different parts of India and Bangladesh to perform annually at the festival. The non-profit trust behind the festival aims to make it a hub for all folk and ethnic art forms, creating a space for discussions, seminars, and supporting artists.
The festival took a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is back this year with colorful performances. This year's events include Geet Gobindo, Himalayan folk and contemporary music, traditional Bengali folk presentation, Rajasthan folklore, Gotipowa from Odisha, Godhuli, and traditional folk renditions from Maharashtra. Along with the performances, the festival will also host an artisanal market.
On February 16, Friday, there will be a felicitation and performance of Geetgovindam by Anathbondhu Ghosh as well as a Gotipowa dance performance. And Goudhali, the traditional folk rendition by Haridas Sindhe from Maharashtra.
On February 17, Saturday, performances include Chari, Kalbeliya, Kachi Ghodi dance, and folk songs by Bundu Khan and his group from Rajasthan. Later in the day, you can experience Himalayan folk music with a contemporary touch by Bipul Chhetri and the travelling band.
The Indian Museum, located in Kolkata, is considered one of the oldest museums in the world. It originated from the Asiatic Society of Bengal, where the collections of artifacts and specimens were first acquired in 1814. Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist, is credited with being the founder-curator of the museum.
The museum was completed and opened for public viewing in 1875. With a frontage of 312 feet, it was designed by W.L. Granville, who also planned the General Post Office and the High Court in Calcutta. Its establishment is closely linked to the rise of early modernist movements such as the Brahmo Samaj and the establishment of pioneering educational centers. Spread over three floors, the museum houses the Archaeological, Art, Anthropological, Geological, Industrial and Zoological sections. Read more about it here.
What: Sahaj Parav, the Root Music Festival in collaboration with Dohar and Lopamudra Productions. Book tickets here.
When: February 16-17, 2024
Where: Indian Museum, 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata