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.
The opening day was formally inaugurated by Smt. Rashmi Singh, Secretary, Department of Culture, Delhi Government, Dr. Kiran Seth, Founder SPIC MACAY, Ratish Nanda, Chairperson, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, India, who together set the tone for the three-day celebration of India’s folk and tribal heritage.
Dr. Kiran Seth shared his thoughts about the festival as, “We have spent years bringing classical traditions to audiences with great love and commitment. This year, our endeavour 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 as, ‘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.’
Also gracing the festival’s day two with his presence was The Director of IIIT-Delhi is Prof. Ranjan Bose. The finale was attended by several distinguished guests, including Prof. KK Agarwal – President SAU and K. Satish Nambudiripad – DG DD.
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 immersed themselves in Sikki Grass Weaving by Rubi Devi (Bihar), Papermachie 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 organisation’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.
Suman Doonga, Convenor of the Folk and Tribal Arts and Crafts Festival, said, “Through this festival, we aim to inspire young minds, support the preservation of our cultural heritage. IIt is an invitation for everyone to experience the enduring spirit of India’s diverse artistic expressions.”
Day 1 Highlights – Friday, November 21st, 2025
The inaugural evening commenced with Mangala Isai Nadaswaram by Shri S Kandaswamy and Group from Tamil Nadu. This was followed by Purulia Chhau by Shri Tarapada Rajak and Group from West Bengal, Seraikela Chhau by Shri Biswanath Kumbhakar and Group from Jharkhand and Ottanthullal by Kalamandalam Mohanakrishnan and Group from Kerala, marking an energetic start to the festival.
Day 2 Highlights – Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
The second evening featured Baul Sangeet by Shri Lakshman Das and Group from West Bengal, the dynamic Hojagiri by Shri Debasis Reang and Group from Tripura, and Thougal Jagoi presented by Dr Nganbi Chanu and Group from Manipur.
Day 3 – Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 at 6.30pm onwards
The concluding evening showcased Ghussadi performed by Shri Kanaka Sudarshan and Group from Telangana, the Wangala Dance by the Meghalaya troupe, and a concluding performance of Qawwali by the Warsi Brothers from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.
The SPIC MACAY Folk and Tribal Arts and Crafts Festival promises to offer an enriching, inclusive and deeply engaging cultural experience. Through its programming, it reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to cultural preservation, youth engagement and the transmission of India’s artistic heritage. The event is open to all.
