HARVEST ends on a high note with a powerful performance by The Raghu Dixit Project

India, January 15, 2025: The five-day cultural festival HARVEST: Rhythms of the Earth, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, concluded on a high note, leaving audiences energized by a rich array of performances celebrating India’s cultural heritage. Curated by Sanjeev Bhargava of SEHER, the festival was part of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav organized by NABARD under the aegis of the Department of Financial Services, focusing on the theme “Taking Rural India Forward.”

The festival’s opening day featured Vedic chants by Panini Kanya Mahavidyalaya from Varanasi, Rajasthan’s Manganiyar tradition, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, setting the tone for a vibrant cultural journey. Over the next four days, audiences experienced diverse traditions, including Kashmiri Folk & Sufi music, Manipur’s Pung Cholom, Odissi dance, Kerala Temple Chants, and the soulful sounds of Baul music from West Bengal. The festival also showcased Punjabi hits like Jehda Nasha and Laila by Faridkot, and Mysore Se Aai and Shakkarpari by The Raghu Dixit Project.

A standout performance were the Buddhist chants by Gyoto Monks from Leh-Ladakh, followed by Gujarat’s Kanaiya Dandiya Group’s Garba and Dandiya Raas, and Assam’s lively Bihu dance by Anwesa Mahanta & Group. Each act represented the essence of India’s cultural roots, connecting urban audiences with the country’s vibrant heritage.

Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder of SEHER, said, “We live in megacities and skyscrapers but often forget the roots that lie in our villages. HARVEST was our attempt to reconnect people with Indian villages. Over five days, audiences experienced the vibrant sounds, stories, and traditions that define village life. Inspired by NABARD’s remarkable work in uplifting farmers and supporting rural economies, we aimed to bring the raw, authentic spirit of India closer to urban hearts through HARVEST.”