Stage set for cultural extravaganza in city

Hyderabad: When maestros of performing arts come together on a single platform, it will be a treat in store for Indian classical music and dance lovers in the city. The 6th edition of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan national festival of music and dance is all set to kick start at Ravindra Bharathi at Lakdikapul on Saturday. The two-day festival pays homage to the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, who spent his last days in the city. “Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s influence on Indian classical music, particularly the Patiala Gharana, is highly treasured, and the festival aims to carry on his legacy,” said Abhijit Bhattacharjee, chairman of Sangitanjali Foundation. The festival, organised by Sangitanjali Foundation, also supports children with autism at Autism Ashram.Keeping the tradition alive, this year too the festival is packed with legendary classical performers. On day 1 of the festival, the enthralling performances by Esraj exponent Pundit Aranyakumar, followed by city-based tabla player Najmuddin Javed are all set to mesmerise the audience. The list doesn’t just stop there. Sarod maestro Pundit Ken Zuckerman, who is the disciple of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and winner of the Sangitanjaly Ratna Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, will also be weaving his magic on Saturday eve. On day 2, while Padma Shri awardee Odissi dancer Bithika Mistry will ignite the stage with her performance, Padmabhushan Pundit Ajoy Chakrabarty will take the audience to another realm with his vocal style of Patiala Gharana. The festival will be inaugurated by Jayesh Ranjan, principal secretary of industries & commerce, and Shailaja Ramaiyer, principal secretary of youth advancement, tourism and culture.

Detroit music festival promises Taylor Swift as performer but brings out an imposter

Taylor Swift's star power continues to shine as she is crowned TIME Person of the Year and one of Forbes' most powerful women. During Detroit's Jingle Ball, an impersonator named Trailor Swift, promoted by Detroit radio station Channel 955, disappointed fans expecting the real Taylor Swift. However, the event showcased genuine performances from artists like Usher and (G)I-DLE. Despite the twist, Swift's popularity remains unmatched, as even the mention of her name sets the crowd abuzz. As her Eras Tour captivates audiences worldwide, Swift's chart-topping hits and unexpected surprises leave an indelible mark.

Jaipur History Festival begins at City Palace

Jaipur History Festival (JHF) 2023, themed 'Education Through Monuments', commenced with the participation of over 1500 students from 17 Jaipur schools and 22 schools from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, and Hyderabad. The festival featured a mesmerizing cultural extravaganza, including performances by Sunbeam School showcasing Ganga Aarti and Varanasi projects, a dance drama by Modern School on Jagat Shiromani Temple and Panna Meena ki Baoli, a documentary and puppet dance by Subodh Public School on Albert Museum, and a six-minute dance-drama by SRN International School merging various monuments. Other highlights included a Tulsi Das tableau by Sunbeam School, a Sufi song performance by Green Fields School on Humayun's Tomb, and workshops on various subjects. Mayoor School conducted a rocket-making workshop and launched three mini rockets during the festival.

Get set for the 'Desi Oon Festival'

The Desi Oon Festival, honoring India's wool heritage, will take place at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi from December 7 to 11. It is a cooperative effort involving organizations from pastoral landscapes, working closely with shepherds, knitters, felters, spinners, and weavers to integrate indigenous wool. The festival's main theme, "Waking up to the Wealth in Wool," highlights the intrinsic value of wool. The festival will feature installations, workshops, and demonstrations showcasing the artistry of wool, and a curated selection of woollen products. Pastoral Voice provides insight into traditional knowledge systems, while Industry Innovation and R&D showcase uses of native wool. Visitors can also explore an interactive area and learn about Indian sheep wool.