The historic city of Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, is set to immerse itself in a vibrant celebration of its rich and composite culture. The Bazm-e-Virasat festival will unfold over three days, from December 19 to December 21, aiming to reconnect the city with its multifaceted heritage through an eclectic mix of performances, intellectual discussions, and artistic exchanges.
A Confluence of Art, Literature, and Music
Announcing the detailed programme, noted filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia and educationist Zafar Bakht highlighted the festival's mission to revive the city's cultural legacy. The inauguration on the first day, December 19, is scheduled from 11 am to 12:15 pm. The morning will quickly transition into the captivating art of dastangoi with Himanshu Bajpai presenting 'Dastan-e-Sarfaroshi', alongside musicians Vedant Bhardwaj and Ajay Tipanya.
The afternoon of Day 1 promises a nostalgic journey with 'Lantrani', a session dedicated to old Allahabad stories. Esteemed speakers Asif Lismani, Dhananjay Chopra, Qamar Agha, and Abhay Awasthi will lead this narrative. This will be followed by a scholarly discussion on the 'Saints of Allahabad' featuring Prof Badri Narayan, Prof N R Farooqui, and Siraj Ajmali.
The evening will resonate with spiritual and poetic melodies, starting with a Nirgun recital by the renowned Prahlad Tipanya and his group. The night will then belong to wordsmiths at a Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan, showcasing poets like Sampat Saral, Azhar Iqbal, and Popular Meeruti.
Cricket, Cinema, and City Stories
The second day, December 20, will commence with an Indian fusion ensemble by the Pakshee Band. A major highlight will be a discussion on cricket, bringing together former cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Praveen Kumar, along with Ashish Winston Zaidi, moderated by senior sports journalist Ayaz Memon.
The festival will also turn the spotlight on local talent. The 'Stars of Our City' session will feature actors such as Aditya Srivastava and Faisal Malik, while 'Story of Our City' will gather celebrated writers including Gopal Chaturvedi and Prof Neelum Saran Gour.
The evening of Day 2 is dedicated to cinematic memory and music. A discussion honouring Fareed and Nikhat Kazmi will see filmmakers Ashutosh Gowariker, Leena Yadav, and Anurag Basu share their insights. The day will culminate with a live concert by the iconic band Indian Ocean, promising an unforgettable experience.
Final Day: Homage to Icons and a Grand Finale
The concluding day, December 21, will open with a discourse on the legendary poet Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala', followed by a soulful ghazal recital by Rashmi Agarwal. The literary exploration continues with 'Allahabad in Literature: The Work and The Workplace', featuring noted writers Mamta Kalia and Vibhuti Narain Rai.
Cinema enthusiasts can look forward to an 'Actors' Table' discussion with accomplished performers like Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao. The grand finale of the Bazm-e-Virasat festival will be a powerful performance of Dastan-e-Karn by Mahmood Farooqui, followed by a musical blast from the past titled 'Scintillating Seventies' presented by the Voice and Trumpet Band.
By weaving together threads of literature, music, cinema, and dialogue, Bazm-e-Virasat stands as a significant initiative to rekindle Prayagraj's connection with its glorious and syncretic past, offering a cultural feast for residents and visitors alike.
