Patna: The three-day Durga Svarotsav 2025 festival began on Friday at Shri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna, drawing music lovers and cultural enthusiasts from across the city. The event, organised by SPIC MACAY, Shrim Educational Trust, the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Shri Krishna Smarak Samiti, and the Commissioner’s Office (Patna Division), was inaugurated by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
Governor Khan, joined by MP Ravishankar Prasad, Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, Pranav Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Patna Commissioner Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, and former SPIC MACAY Chairperson Dr Maya Shankar, lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the opening of the festival. Also present were SPIC MACAY Coordinator Manish Singh Thakur, Shrim Educational Trust members Anoop Srivastava and Pratima Kumar, and Bihar BJP Art and Culture Cell Convener Varun Kumar Singh.
In his address, the governor emphasised the enduring importance of Indian classical music and dance, describing them as “not merely forms of art, but the soul of our culture and tradition.” He praised initiatives that connect younger generations with their cultural heritage and highlighted the significance of hosting such events in a historic city like Patna.
The opening day featured mesmerising performances by Padma Shri Pandit Ullas Kashalkar, who presented Ragas Yaman and Gaur Malhar, and Padma Bhushan Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt, whose enchanting music held the audience spellbound. Kashalkar was accompanied on tabla by Padma Shri Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and on harmonium by Pandit Vinay Mishra, while Bhatt performed alongside tabla artist Pandit Ram Kumar Mishra.
SPIC MACAY Coordinator Manish Singh Thakur noted that the festival will continue over the weekend with a series of classical music and dance performances. Day two will feature Pandit Ritesh Mishra, Pandit Rajneesh Mishra, Pandit Rounu Mazumdar, and Mysore Manjunath, while the final day will conclude with performances by Vidushi Surya Gayatri and Vidushi Tanushree Shankar.
The event drew a large and appreciative audience, including artists, cultural enthusiasts, and representatives of various organisations, who lauded the festival as a celebration of India’s rich artistic heritage.
