New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) The Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil is set to kick off the three-day Sixth Nadi Utsav on Thursday, focusing on the vital connection between rivers, community livelihoods, ecological sustainability, and cultural practices, according to an official announcement.

Scheduled from September 25 to 27, this festival will present a diverse array of programs that underscore the significance of rivers as essential lifelines and cultural sanctuaries.

Throughout the event, a National Seminar titled ‘Riverscape Dynamics: Changes and Continuity’ will convene discussions on traditional riverine knowledge, river gods, folk narratives, and the interplay of art, craft, and science in relation to rivers, the official statement noted.

Renowned scholars and specialists will offer insights, engaging in conversations that highlight the cultural, ecological, and artistic aspects of rivers.

In preparation for the seminar, over 300 research papers were submitted, with 45 selected for presentation, facilitated by the Department of English, University of Delhi.

Simultaneously, the ‘My River Story – Documentary Film Festival’ will showcase impactful films such as ‘Gotakhors: Disappearing Diving Communities’, ‘River Man of India’, ‘Arth Ganga’, ‘Molai – Man Behind the Forest’, ‘Cauvery – River of Life’, and ‘Ladakh – Life along the Indus’.

These screenings will address ecological issues, community traditions, and the lasting human relationship with rivers, emphasizing the various ways river systems influence lives and landscapes.

The closing session on September 27 will include a panel discussion on ‘Life along the Rivers: Tributaries and Livelihoods’, featuring voices from practitioners and experts reflecting on the ties between rivers and community livelihoods, reinforcing the theme of continuity between ecological sustainability and cultural practices.

Adding an artistic dimension to the festival, performances will include Classical Renditions on Rivers led by Guru Sudha Raghuraman and her team, Ganga Gaatha (Dastangoi) by Himanshu Bajpai and Pragya, along with River Songs from Bengal by Saurav Moni and his ensemble.

These performances will creatively reflect river traditions, illustrating how rivers continue to inspire musical, poetic, and oral art forms across various regions.

Additionally, the exhibition Nadi Anubhav, curated by Anuj Agarwal, will take place at the Darshanam Gallery from September 25 to 30. This exhibition will feature contemporary artwork, Kalighat paintings, photographs, and poetry dedicated to rivers, fostering a dialogue between artistic imagination and ecological awareness, as stated officially.

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, held a press conference on Tuesday at its Janpath premises to elaborate on the upcoming events for the Nadi Utsav.

During the conference, Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head of the Janapada Sampada Division at IGNCA, emphasized that the Nadi Utsav is an ongoing initiative to recognize rivers not only as ecological entities but also as cultural lifelines.

Abhay Mishra, Convenor of the Nadi Utsav, remarked that the festival enhances the conversation between traditional and contemporary practices, ensuring communities stay connected to their riverine heritage.