A grand cultural festival, ‘Banaras Utsav’, is being organized from December 12 to 14, 2025, at Chitnavis Centre in Civil Lines, Nagpur. The event is being held jointly by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture (Government of India), Chitnavis Centre, and Banaras Cultural Foundation. The festival aims to introduce Nagpur’s audience to the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh.
On 12th December, Madhumita Chuckerbutty, a talented Kathak exponent from Nagpur will present a Kathak performance, based on the culture of Banaras.
On 13th December 6 pm, Pt. Bhuvanesh Komkali ji will sing Sagun to Nirgun (verses from Saint Tulsidas ji to Saint Kabir), highlighting the rich philosophical and literary traditions from Banaras. He will be accompanied by Pt. Vinod Lele on table and Pt. Vinay Mishra on harmonium.
On 14th December 6pm, Sushri Indrani Mukherjee with sing the classical and semi classical tradition of Banaras Thumri, Dadra and Khayal. She will introduce the vast repertoire of poetry from banaras which will include works from Bhartendu Harishchandra. She will be accompanied on the tabla by Pt. Vinod Lele and on the harmonium by Pt. Vinay Mirsha.
On 13th and 14th, at 5 pm, there will also be a presentation of Banarasi folk traditions by the recipient of Ustad Bismillah Khan National Youth Award and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Dr. Mannu Yadav.Renowned poet and scholar Dr. Vyomesh Shukla will deliver a lecture on “Life, History, and Culture of Banaras,” while Nagpur-based writer and artist Mili Vikamshi will speak on “Banaras… A Spiritual Vision.”
The festival will also feature exhibitions by craftsmen and artisans from Banaras, showcasing traditional Banarasi silk, wooden toys, and unique art styles. Visitors will also get a chance to savour authentic Banarasi cuisine.
The organizers have invited all art and culture enthusiasts of Nagpur to participate and enjoy this cultural celebration.
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