After a curtain-raiser on April 8, the preparations for the fifth edition of the Hyderabad Arts Festival (HAF), will feature over 50 cultural events for the public’s indulgence in commemoration of Telangana Formation Day.
Curtain raiser events were dated for April 8 until May 19 followed by the main events from May 20 until July 22. Performances and activities held by HAF will be representative of Hyderabad today — rich in narratives of heritage with a touch of modernity.
“‘Fill up my city with people, My God, just as you have filled the river with fishes.’ These are the words of Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, who planned the city as an open city with no walls. It is this spirit of openness that gives Hyderabad its distinct identity, culture, cuisine and an enviable way of life,” explains the HAF team.
With Hyderabad’s amalgam of Persian, British, Iranian and Turkish influences, the scope for events is endless. Famed songbird Pooja Gaitonde left indelible impressions upon audiences through her light classical music. Under the tutelage of the late Pandit S C R Bhat, one of the great classical vocal virtuoso of Agra Gharana, Pooja displayed her mastery of Ghazals on April 15 at Chowmahalla Palace as a curtain raiser for the festivities.
What to anticipate
Sand artist Kanth Risa and Kathak dancer Nishi Ratnam will come together in an artistic abundance of eurhythmic and visual spectacle called ‘Love: An Endless Journey: Multi Art Form Presentation’ with music provided by violinist Gopi and Sravanthi on vocals. This will take place on June 3 at Phoenix Arena at 7pm .
The festival also includes plenty of other opportunities; on June 17, prepare to be enchanted by the Bhagavadajjukam Ballet choreographed by the legendary Kuchipudi duo Raja Radha Reddy. The performance will feature dynamic ballet forms infused into traditional Kuchipudi. While the location is yet to be set, registration to attend the show is open .
On June 24 at Shilpakala Vedika at 7pm , fifth generation sitarist Niladri Kumar will enchant attendees with the unconventional melodies of Zitar and other loved albums such as If: Magical Sounds of Sitar and Plucked .
To fully integrate the city into the cultural cornucopia, the pan-city events will not be ticketed, registration is mandatory through HAF’s website to avoid disappointment.
