SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, presented the three-day ANANT UTSAV - the Folk and Tribal Arts and Crafts Festival at the Sunder Nursery Amphitheatre, New Delhi. The festival has now come to a close, wrapping up on an exceptionally high note with immense public participation and a vibrant celebration of India’s folk and tribal heritage.
Supported by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Department of Art, Culture and Language, Sudha Sangini, the festival aimed at showcasing the diverse folk and tribal traditions of India through performances, workshops, and artist interactions.
A Qawwali performance by Warsi Brothers from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.
Kiran Seth, Founder SPIC MACAY, shared his thoughts about the festival as, “We have spent years bringing classical traditions to audiences with great love and commitment. This year, our endeavor is to open a window to the world of tribal art and craft. Every form you will witness has been chosen with care — not a spread of everything from everywhere, but a thoughtful collection that honours the authenticity and soul of each region.”
Present on the second day of the festival, Padma Shri Geeta Chandran shared her views: "I am extremely exhilarated to see how much India has to offer to the world! I was fortunate to have witnessed such an intricately performed Hojagiri from Tripura and Manipuri folk Dance today. They are so elegant and I congratulate everyone behind this three-day extravaganza for bringing out these beautiful gems to such a wide audience."
The festival made its way to both young and old audiences alike, effectively engaging them with India’s traditional knowledge systems and folk & tribal heritage. Through live presentations and interactive sessions, people were also seen interacting with local craftsmen, asking questions, and exploring the depth of their Crafts with genuine curiosity. To further deepen this engagement, SPIC MACAY conducted daytime workshops led by master craftspersons.
Participants experienced the inspiration and mysticism of Indian heritage through various folk art forms.
Participants immersed themselves in Sikki Grass Weaving by Rubi Devi (Bihar), papier-mâché by Anubha Karn (Bihar), Calligraphy by Mushtaq Ahmed (Delhi), Wood Carving Calligraphy by Mohd Ameen Farooqi (Delhi), Madhubani Painting by Manoj K. Choudhary (Bihar), Terracotta by Manoj Kumar (Delhi), Bhil Painting by Gangu Bai (Madhya Pradesh), Gond Painting by Sambhav Shyam (Madhya Pradesh), Warli Painting by Chandrakant Mahala (Dadra and Nagar Haveli), and Bamboo Craft by Subrata Chakraborty (Tripura).
In doing so, the festival upheld the organization’s purpose of enabling guests to experience the inspiration and mysticism of Indian heritage, while reinforcing SPIC MACAY’s commitment to the guru–shishya parampara and traditional practitioners.
SPIC MACAY, a non-profit, volunteer-driven movement, works to bring Indian classical music, dance, crafts, cinema, and culture to students across India and abroad.
(All photos courtesy: Media net Works)
