The Kochi Cultural Festival

India has always been known for its ethnic, social and religious diversity and this rich heritage is becoming a part of the global culture today thanks to the millions of Indians who have spread throughout the world. The Indian Diaspora has not only adopted its host countries’ cultures but has also retained the uniqueness of the Indian culture. What better place to showcase this new paradigm change than in the 14^th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a culturally diverse festival celebration in India, that will be held from January 8-10^th 2016 in Kochi?  Mark these festival dates in your calendar and be a part of this cultural potpourri.

A Cultural Treat

While serious seminars and plenary sessions will take up most of the space in this three day event, the Le Meridian in Kochi will also play host to a number of performers and dancers from across the country. The cultural programs will kick-start in the evening of 8^th January and the first to enthrall audiences with a visual feast would be Padmashri Geeta Chandran and her Natya Vriksha Dance Company. This exceptional danseuse will present a beautiful performance titled ‘Seasons’ that will explore the changing scape of the Indian seasons through classical and contemporary dance and will showcase how the heart reflects the changing moods of the seasons. You will profit from staying on right till the end of the day’s performances because the finale will be a performance choreographed to the awe inspiring score of Tchaikovsky.

 

Get ready to witness ‘Bharatham… Keralam’ on the 9^th of January –conceived and directed by Soorya Krishnamoorthy. The performance will depict the cultural traditions of Kerala and how they help to create integration and unity. This large-scale production will see the participation of 100 artists from around the country and is sure to be a treat for your eyes.

Also included in the program are Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam by Gayathri Govind and Group. The courtly dance of the Nawabs of Avadh – Kathak will find its way to your heart as would productions featuring dances from Manipur.

 

A contemporary dance performance by Samudra Performing Arts, Mayilpeeli Nritham and Kathakali are also on the roster. Dance is empty gestures without music and that will be solved by several shows focusing on the divine tunes of Indian traditional music. The final performances of the event, which will be held on the 10^th of January, will bring an international element with a cultural performance by Mauritian cultural group. Produced by Kooshal Dwarka, this will showcase the cultural diversity of Mauritius and its connections to India.

Food is an inseparable part of any culture and usually its most defining feature to a pair of new eyes. Get acquainted with the culinary delights India has to offer cultural dinners hosted at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.  Start packing your bags and book your flight tickets and hotel accommodation. With so many people about to descend in to Kochi, you should fix up your schedule before the city fills up to the brim.