Vibrant cultural events to mark I-Day, Janmashtami

Don’t sit at home this Independence Day. Go out and soak in the colours and fervour of patriotism at cultural events across the city

Cultural centres in the city are buzzing with activity on the occasion of two grand festivals – Independence Day and Janmashtami. A series of events – ranging from plays on patriotic subjects to dance shows and musical programmes – are lined up on the long weekend.

Not just that, some ‘online concerts’ are also scheduled for those too lazy to go out to celebrate 68 years of India’s Independence. For those looking forward to family outings on the festive occasion, there are options galore. Read on…

Gurgaon residents need not fear missing out on any of the I-Day fun. On August 15, the cyber city’s biggest cultural hub, Epicentre, has arranged for a full day of activities titled the ‘Independence Day carnival’.

In the offing, first, is a traditional kite-flying experience with Bhai Miyan of Chandni Chowk, the Limca Book of Records holder in kite-flying. He will showcase 150 kites fashioned on the flags of various countries on a single string.

Then there is the ‘National Patriotic Project - Come India Sing Jana Gana Mana’ by Lorraine Music Academy and LAMP Trust.

In an area exclusively for kids, the children will be be kept engaged with the potter’s wheel, bioscope and tattoo making. You can also savour  India’s varied cuisines with ‘Street Food of India.’ See stupendous performances by Prince Dance Group, winner of India’s Got Talent, and Danceworx. Also, don’t miss the show by master puppeteer, Anurupa Roy.

Back in Delhi, on August 16, Asmita Theatre group is staging Ambedkar Aur Gandhi – a politically charged play on the confrontation between BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on ‘separate representation for the depressed classes’. It’s a perfect opportunity for children to learn some history lessons and for adults to brush up forgotten ones. Be at the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts in Mandi House by 7 pm.

On a lighter note, there is Aisi Taisi Democracy – Stand-Up and musical comedy at Akshara Theatre, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, 6 pm on August 17. Comedian Sanjay and lyricist Varun will take you through a journey of the typicalities and idiosyncracies of desi Indians and politicians. Lead guitarist of Indian Ocean, Rahul Ram will add his own spice to the evening with his worldly-wise, on-the-roads kind of music.

For a further dose of music, log on to strokeofmidnight.com exactly at 12 am on August 14. It will telecast live India’s first online music concert featuring Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Singh, Shannon Donald, Poorvi Koutish and host Meiyang Chang. Farhan will usher in the spirit of Independence with his free-spirit music and talk about MARD – the campaign against rapes and discrimination against women. You must register with Oxigen Wallet portal for this.

For Janmashtami enthusiasts, there is Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra’s famous dance-drama Krishna at Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House on August 16, 17 and 18. Krishna traverses the Hindu mythological icon’s life journey right from the butter-eating divine child to the slayer of Kansa and deliverer of Geeta – the final sermon on human living and Hindu way of life.

There are also two beautiful painting exhibitions on this occasion. ‘Brij Utsav,’ at Peacock Art Gallery, DLF Phase-4, Gurgaon, celebrates Brijbhoomi, its landscapes, bovines and all that was dear to Lord Krishna. The ‘Krishna Utsav’ at India Grill, The Hilton Garden Inn, Saket, reflects the various moods of Krishna on canvas. It also features merchandise like mugs and trays. 

The former is on till September 30 while the latter will close on September 1. Enjoy the festive week ahead!