Manthan 2016 to showcase India's performing traditions

Budding performers and veteran artistes from the realm of classical Indian dance and music will come together for the second edition of Manthan festival here, to promote India's rich and diverse culture and performing traditions.
Organised by Kalpataru Arts, a socio-cultural organisation, the two-day-festival is scheduled to be held from July 27 to July 28 at India Habitat centre here.
"We are looking forward to new ideas and beautiful traditions abound in a festival through a joint community work, hence, making India's rich culture and heritage, known to all," organisers said.
With 'churning the ocean of classical music and dance' as its theme, the festival seeks to continue its efforts in promoting younger artistes as well as the unknown legends in making, they said.

"Manthan is a suggestive name for the churning of the ocean of Indian performing arts to reassert its true beauty to the youth who haven't yet seen the green of the wheat," popular Kathak danseuse and founder of Kalpataru Arts, Sangita Chatterjee, said.
The cultural extravaganza will see Grammy nominated sitar maestro Gaurav Mazumdar and renowned vocalist Vinayak Torvi opening the show with other stalwarts from the music world taking the melodious evening forward.

The following day will be dedicated to different forms of Indian classical dances, where Odissi doyen Sujata Mahapatra, and Kathak exponents Vaswati Misra and Daniel Freddy will deliver enthralling performances.

"The event would see the flow of creativity, techniques, and enthusiasm between torch-bearers and budding artistes in the field of Indian performing arts," Chatterjee said.
The organisers have decided to donate a part of funds raised through the programme to the NGO 'Eternal Mission' which works in the field of the social, cultural and spiritual upbringing of children from the economically weaker section.
A 2-day workshop and seminar titled 'Saksham,' will also be conducted after the festival, where Mahapatra will interact with aspiring dancers and inculcate in them a sense of self-confidence, self-esteem and pride in the country's traditions.