Photography Exhibition by Neelesh Kale Scheduled from April 28 to May 3

PUNE: Art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to view photographs that shed light on various facets of the Kailasa Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a globally renowned marvel of architecture—as well as the Jain and Buddhist caves located at Ellora (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). This occasion marks the hosting of a photography exhibition featuring panoramic images captured by the Lalit Kala Akademi Award winner Neelesh Kale. Titled ‘Ellorama,’ this exhibition is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, April 28, to  Sunday, May 3, at the Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery on Ghole Road. Connoisseurs will be able to experience this exhibition daily between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Please note that this exhibition is free and open to all.

The inauguration of the ‘Ellorama’ photography exhibition will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at 5:00 PM, at the hands of Dr. G.B. Deglurkar, a world-renowned iconologist and a leading expert on the Kailasa Temple, Prof. Medha Kulkarni, Member of Parliament, and Jayant B. Joshi, renowned artist. During the event, Dr. G.B. Deglurkar will interact with the audience. Additionally, as part of the exhibition’s accompanying programs, Indologist Dr. Rahul Deshpande will engage with the audience on Thursday, April 30, at 5:00 PM, delivering a talk titled ‘Exploring Ellora.’ Please note that both of these events are open and free on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Providing further details regarding the photography exhibition, Neelesh Kale stated, “The Kailash Temple, carved by the Rashtrakutas, dates back to the period between 756 AD and 773 AD. These 34 caves are carved within an area spanning approximately two kilometers. Among them, Cave No. 16—the Kailasa Temple—is renowned globally as the largest monolithic temple (a temple carved from a single rock) in existence. The ‘Ellorama’ exhibition features photographs that shed light on the Ellora Caves—and specifically the Kailasa Temple—from a multitude of perspectives. This exhibition comprises a curated selection of photographs chosen from a vast collection captured using the techniques of ‘photogrammetry’. Furthermore, another highlight of this exhibition will be the inclusion of a precise 3D (three-dimensional) model created from these photographs using this advanced technology.”

Kale also expressed with confidence that, with the aid of 3D Vista and Cloud Compare technologies, visitors to the exhibition would gain comprehensive information—including where to begin their exploration of the caves, exactly what to observe at each stage, the specific features and unique attributes of the structures they view, and their precise dimensions (length, width, and height). Moreover, attendees will be treated to a ‘guided journey’—or a ‘virtual tour’—of this UNESCO World Heritage site during the event.

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PUNE: The Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, organized annually by the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, will be held this year from Wednesday, December 10 to Sunday, December 14 at the Maharashtriya Mandal Sports Complex in Mukundnagar. The names of the artists performing in the Mahotsav this year were announced by the Executive President of the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, Shrinivas Joshi, at a press conference held today. This is the 71st year of the Mahotsav, and more than half of the artists will present their art on the platform of ‘Sawai’ for the first time, Shrinivas Joshi also informed.

Shilpa Joshi, Shubhada Mulgund, Dr. Prabhakar Deshpande, Anand Bhate, and Trustees of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal were also present at the press conference held today. Giving more information about the Mahotsav, Shrinivas Joshi said, “Many veteran artists have presented their art in this Mahotsav, which was started by my father, Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi in the name of his Guru Sawai Gandharva. The avid and knowledgeable audience also loved the Mahotsav immensely. This year, the 71st Mahotsav is being concluded, and to provide a platform to the promising artists along with veteran artists, many promising artists will be presented at the Mahotsav. Notably, more than half of the total number of artists will be presenting their art in the Mahotsav for the first time. Through this, we are making a sincere effort to provide a capable platform to young artists.”

The list of artists who will perform at the 71st Mahotsav is as follows – 

Day 1 – Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 3 pm to 10 pm

The 71st Mahotsav will begin with Delhi-based Lokesh Anand performing on the Shehnai. Lokesh has been trained in shehnai by his father, Kalicharan, Guru Pt. Ananthalal and Pt. Dayashankar. Dr. Chetna Pathak, a vocalist of the Kirana Gharana, will then present her vocal recital. Dr. Pathak is a disciple of Swaryogini Padma Vibhushan Dr. Prabha Atre. This will be followed by the accompaniment of the Mishra brothers, Ritesh and Rajnish Mishra, vocalists from the Banaras Gharana and sons- disciples of Pt. Rajan Mishra. Pt. Shubendra Rao, a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pt. Ravi Shankar and his wife Vidushi Saskia Rao-De-Haas will then perform on the Sitar and Cello. Saskia, who is originally from the Netherlands, trained under the guidance of Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia has practiced Indian music for a long time and has built new bridges between Eastern and Western musical traditions by creating a unique instrument called ‘Bharatiya Cello. The first day will conclude with a performance by veteran vocalist Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar.

Day Two – Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 4 pm to 10 pm

The second day will begin with a performance by classical vocalist and composer Hrishikesh Badve. This will be followed by a performance by Indrayudh Majumdar, a talented Sarod player of the Senia Maihar Gharana. Indrayudh is the son and disciple of Padmashree Pt. Tejendra Narayan Majumdar. This will be followed by a performance by Vidushi Padma Deshpande, a senior vocalist of the Kirana Gharana and granddaughter-in-law of Sawai Gandharva. This will be followed by the accompaniment of internationally renowned Saxophonist George Brooks and Pt. Krishnamohan Bhatt to conclude the second day. George Brooks has achieved an unprecedented fusion of jazz & Indian classical music and Pt. Krishnamohan Bhatt is a disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar.

Day Three – Friday, December 12, 2025 | 4 pm to 10 pm

The third day of the Mahotsav will begin with the performance of emerging Santoor player Satyendra Solanki. Solanki is a disciple of Pt. Omprakash Chaurasia. This will be followed by a vocal performance by Shrinivas Joshi, disciple and son of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan, an artist of the Imdadkhani gharana, will then perform on the Sitar. The third day will conclude with a performance by Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, a senior vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.

Day Four Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 3 pm to 12 midnight

The fourth day will begin with a performance by Siddhartha Belmannu, a young, talented singer from Bangalore. Belmannu is a disciple of Pt. Vinayak Torvi of the Kirana and Gwalior traditions. This will be followed by a performance by Pune-based Anuradha Kuber, a leading vocalist of the Bhendi Bazaar Gharana. Pt. Rupak Kulkarni, a leading flautist of the Maihar Gharana and the first Gandabandh disciple of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia will perform on the flute after that. This will be followed by a performance by Dr. Bharat Balvalli. This will be followed by an accompaniment by Vidushi Kala Ramnath (Violin) and Vidushi Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh (Vichitraveen). Vidushi Kala Ramnath is an Indian violinist who is respected worldwide as the creator of the ‘singing violin’. Vidushi Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh is a leading player, researcher, composer, and teacher of the Saraswati Veena, the national instrument of India. The fourth day of the Mahotsav will conclude with a dance performance by Meghranjani Medhi, a famous Kathak dancer from Assam. She is the daughter and disciple of renowned Kathak guru Marami Medhi and renowned singer Joy Prakash Medhi and has also received guidance from Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj.

Day 5 – Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 12 noon to 10 pm

The fifth and final day of the Sawai will begin with the vocal recital of Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi’s senior disciple and Kirana Gharana vocalist, Pt. Upendra Bhat. This will be followed by a performance of Shruti Vishwakarma Marathe, a vocalist from the Kirana and Gwalior tradition. Shruti is a disciple of Dr. Veena Sahasrabudhe and Pt. Kedar Bodas. This will be followed by the vocal recital of promising young artist Aniruddha Aithal. This will be followed by the vocal performance of well-known singer Sawani Shende. Sawani is a disciple of renowned vocalist Dr. Veena Sahasrabudhe. This will be followed by the violin performance of Dr. L. Shankar, an internationally renowned violinist, singer, composer, and a leading pioneer of East-West music tradition. Dr. Shankar has played an important role in the world-famous ‘Shakti’ group along with John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, and T. H. Vinayakam. This will be followed by the singing of veteran vocalist Padma Shri Pt. Venkatesh Kumar. The 71st Mahotsav will conclude with the ‘Arghya’ program presented by vocalists of the Kirana Gharana. In this, Pt. Upendra Bhat, Shrinivas Joshi, Anand Bhate, and Viraj Joshi will give a vocal tribute to the gurus.  

The artists who are presenting their art for the first time in the Mahotsav are as follows –

Lokesh Anand. Dr. Chetna Pathak, Shubendra Rao, Saskia Rao-De-Haas, Hrishikesh Badve, Indrayudh Majumdar, George Brooks, Pt. Krishnamohan Bhat, Satyendra Solanki, Siddhartha Belmannu, Anuradha Kuber, Pt. Rupak Kulkarni, Dr. Bharat Balvalli, Meghranjani Medhi, Shruti Marathe, Aniruddha Aithal, Dr. L Shankar.

Kalyani Group is the presenter of Mahotsav, and Kirloskar Group, Magarpatta City Group, P. N. Gadgil & Sons, Kele Group, Ranjekar Realty, Lokmanya Multipurpose – Co-operative Society, Suhana and Asha Publicity have supported this year’s 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav.
Along with this, the ticket sale of the 71st Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival will start from Monday, December 1st, and this year, festival tickets will be available to the connoisseurs at Shirish Traders opposite Kamala Nehru Park in Erandwane, Behre Ambewale in Shanipar, Abhiruchi Foods in Sahakarnagar, and Desai Bandhu Ambewale in Karve Nagar.

The tickets for the entire festival will be Rs. 5 thousand and Rs. 3 thousand for the chair, and the entire festival ticket for the Indian session will be Rs. 500. The tickets for the Indian session of the festival for students will be at a discounted rate of Rs. 250. Please note that in addition to the above-mentioned places, online tickets for the festival will also be available at ticketkhidakee.com.

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This year’s announcement introduces an array of authors, thinkers, and artists who represent a rich variety of perspectives and disciplines. The confirmed names include Senior Physicist at CERN Geneva Archana Sharma; former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian; Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo; Nobel Prize-winning economist Tanya Talaga; former Taoiseach of Ireland Leo Varadkar; noted art historian and curator Debra Diamond; editor of Private Eye and renowned satirist Ian Hislop; celebrated poet and novelist Jeet Thayil; Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai; award-winning nature poet Alice Oswald; art critic and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon; bestselling novelist Ashwin Sanghi; pathbreaking writer Kunzang Choden Roder; historian and biographer Narayani Basu; acclaimed nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar; award-winning writer and chronicler of the Himalaya Stephen Alter; disability rights activist and writer Tarini Mohan; literary advocate and publisher William Sieghart; and Telugu feminist writer Volga.

Namita Gokhale, Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, shared: “Come January, the greatest literature festival on earth returns to Jaipur! It provides a crucial cross-fertilisation of ideas and literary narratives in our fractured world. The multilingual lineup of writers and speakers is as diverse and eclectic as ever, showcasing the best of recent writing from across the Indian languages and the globe. With themes that are classic, radical, and timeless, the 19th edition of our festival provides windows to many worlds and glimpses into the future.”

William Dalrymple, Co-Director, added: “This year we present one of our most extraordinary line-ups since the festival began, including many of the world’s most celebrated writers, thinkers, poets and satirists. Do not miss Jaipur ’26- it’s going to be completely astonishing.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said: “The Jaipur Literature Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of free expression, diversity, and the power of narrative to build bridges. As we approach our 19th edition, we’re proud to offer a platform where voices from around the world can engage, inspire, and transform audiences through the art of storytelling.”

Priya Agarwal, Director, Vedanta Resources, said: “At Vedanta, our partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival reflects our belief that when creativity and conversation come together, they can shape a more connected and compassionate world. As the Festival enters its 19th edition, we are proud to support a platform that celebrates diverse voices and the timeless power of storytelling to drive progress.”

Alongside its literary sessions, Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 will present a diverse programme including the much-loved Heritage Evenings, set against the historic backdrop of Jaipur, featuring music, poetry, and performance. The Jaipur Music Stage will showcase leading Indian and international musicians in performance alongside the festival. The industry-focused Jaipur BookMark (JBM) will once again provide a premier platform for publishers, agents, authors, and other stakeholders to network and collaborate. Now in its 19th year, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains committed to being an accessible, inclusive space where writers, thinkers, and audiences come together to celebrate ideas and the universal love for stories.

For further information on the festival, please visit: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

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The lecture will take place on Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 am at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), Law College Road.

Organizers said the initiative aims to provide deeper insights into the cultural, spiritual, and artistic significance of Ganesh idols as devotees prepare for the much-awaited festival.

Entry is free of charge, but seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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On the occasion of Nag Panchami, the birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Late Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare (as per the Hindu calendar) was celebrated at Shivsrushti. Pravin Tarde visited the theme park and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Pravin Tarde’s wife and actress Snehal Tarde, Dhole Patil Educational Institute’s President Sagar Dhole Patil, his wife Uma Dhole Patil, trustees of Maharaja Shivchhatrapati Pratishthan Amrit Purandare, Vineet Kuber, administrative officer of Shivsrushti Anil Pawar, former Sarpanch and ex-corporator of Ambegaon Shankarrao Beldare Patil, former deputy Sarpanch Dinesh Kondhare, advisor to the trust Biru Khomane, and social worker Gunesh Purandare were also present on the occasion.

Pravin Tarde expressed,

“Visiting Shivsrushti and seeing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of Swarajya (self-rule) was a wonderful and unforgettable experience for me. This place is truly special, and its beauty catches the eye instantly.” The forts that Maharaj spent his entire life building, their significance, the battles fought there, and the power to present Shivaji Maharaj to the younger generation as he truly was, are all brought to life through modern technology. Citizens must visit.”

Pravin Tarde further said,

Pravin Tarde and other dignitaries visited different parts of Shivsrushti, including the forts gallery, the gallery of Maharaj’s principles Swarajya, Swadharma, and Swabhasha, and the Bhavani Mata temple. Around 2,000 tourists, including some from abroad, explored the Shivsrushti today.

To celebrate Babasaheb Purandare’s birth anniversary, a 10×6 ft rangoli was made at Shivsrushti by Neelam Shivtare, Poonam Pawar, Neha Dixit, Shriram Mahamuni, and Yogita Jadhav.

The post Exploring Shivsrushti: A Cultural Gem That Rivals International Museums appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Shivsrushti, a historical theme park located in Ambegaon Budruk, recorded over 15,000 visitors in the last 15 days. The park presents various aspects of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life and achievements, attracting a diverse age group of visitors.

Shivsrushti recreates the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through elements such as the Sarkarwada, which reflects Maratha royal architecture, a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, and several other historical structures. These are supported by stories, paintings, museum artifacts, and various installations that collectively bring the historical period to life. Currently, a growing number of visitors are coming to experience this recreation and draw inspiration from it. As a special initiative, entry to Shivsrushti is being offered at a nominal fee of ₹50, valid only until July 15. This has been made possible by a donation of ₹51 lakh from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, Pune. Shivsrushti’s Administrative Officer, Anil Pawar, has urged citizens to take full advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.

Speaking about the overwhelming response, Pawar shared, “Since the beginning of this initiative, over 15,000 people have visited Shivsrushti in the last 15 days. With summer vacations going on, visitors can enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned experience while immersing themselves in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era. This initiative aims to educate the younger generations about Shivaji Maharaj’s history, his struggles, his visionary governance, and the dream of Swarajya he fought for. It is our sincere intention to spread the values of Swarajya and Swadharma envisioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We believe Shivsrushti, spread across a 21-acre campus in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune – 411 046, will reach more and more people“.

Visitors to Shivsrushti can explore sections such as Durgavaibhav (Fort Grandeur), Ranangann (Battlefield), a hall depicting the thrilling escape from Agra, and Shrimant Yogi, an experience that makes it feel like you’re directly interacting with Shivaji Maharaj. There’s also Simhasanadhishwar, portraying the coronation scene, and high-resolution image prints of paintings from world-renowned museums showcasing the life of Shivaji Maharaj. Other highlights include a section on his legendary battles, a replica of the Tulja Bhavani temple from Pratapgad, and the Ganga Sagar lake.

“Additionally, the Time Machine Theatre is proving to be a major attraction. Here, visitors can travel back thousands of years via a time capsule to visually and audibly experience Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Using cutting-edge technology like mapping, holography, physical effects, and a 360-degree rotating theatre, this immersive show brings history to life. Each 36-minute show in the theatre can host up to 100 people at a time, offering a truly unforgettable experience“, Pawar added.

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The program is free and open to all. To obtain complimentary passes, please reach out to Yashashree Athawale (Mob. 94220 04195), Mrinal Godbole (Mob. 98810 76349), or Smita Natu (Mob. 98900 26222).

This special program has been organized to commemorate the Hindu Mahila Sabha’s 90th anniversary and the Amrit Mahotsav year of its annual Navratri Mahotsav celebrations.

Supriya Damle, President of Hindu Mahila Sabha, said, “This unique program, featuring Aditya Oke and Satyajit Prabhu, will take the audience on a journey through the harmonium’s history, its evolution in India, and its significance in various music traditions. With a blend of classical, semi-classical, and popular music, this event promises to be both entertaining and enlightening.”

The post Discover the Enchantment of the Harmonium in Jaaduchi Peti appeared first on NRI News.

Situated on a 50-acre campus near the Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana reimagines the very idea of a traditional museum. It is among the largest private museums in the world, yet its significance lies not in its scale, but in its core. Every element across its 3.5 lakh square feet premises has been curated to celebrate India’s civilizational wisdom, right from the timeless principles of ethics, education, enterprise, non-violence, compassion, and spiritual inquiry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, and Chairman of the Amar Prerana Trust, said, “India’s greatest heritage is the power of its values. We aimed to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come.”

Thirty immersive galleries form the core of the museum’s narrative journey. Each gallery is a dialogue: through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and storytelling that invites visitors to engage with India’s philosophical legacy. Concepts such as self-restraint, plurality, letting go, and inner awakening are presented through engaging experiences, encouraging reflection and inquiry. Interactive technologies, ambient sound, and subtle scenography are employed with restraint and intelligence, ensuring that the medium never overwhelms the message.

Beyond its galleries, Abhay Prabhavana’s architectural and symbolic elements offer equally profound experiences. The Manastambh, a 100-foot pillar, depicts the stages of spiritual evolution. On the other hand, the awe-inspiring 43-foot sculpture of Rishabhdev, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, whose vision of order, discipline, and civilisation laid the foundations of Indian values and thought, represents a sense of calm like no other. The Plaza of Equanimity, a contemplative space centred around the Sarvatobhadra statue, anchors the campus in stillness and symmetry.

Abhay Prabhavana means a lot more than a museum for enthusiasts. It is a knowledge centre, with spaces such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library, dedicated to scholarship, dialogue, and cultural programs. From lectures and exhibitions to research and learning initiatives, the museum instills a living engagement with India’s intellectual traditions.

As museums across the world grow into something more significant, Abhay Prabhavana leads with clarity. It does not focus on artefacts alone, but on the values and ideals that give them meaning. On this International Museum Day, it stands tall as a beholder of civilizational wisdom, reimagined for the world we live in today.

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Entry to this program is free. Free passes shall be distributed from Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium 9:00 am onwards on Saturday April 5th.

This 100th edition of the program ‘Nava Shukratara’ will feature performances by Mandar Apte, Pallavi Pargaonkar, Varsha Joshi, and Atul Arun Date. Along with popular songs by Arun Date, the program will also evoke special memories of the legendary singer through audio-visuals.

Mandar Apte, a renowned vocalist, and composer, has directed the music for the popular Marathi movie ‘Ti Sadhya Kai Karte’. Pallavi Pargaonkar is a lawyer and a talented vocalist. Varsha Joshi is the winner of the Jagtik Bhavgeet Song Competition. The program is conceptualized and coordinated by Atul Arun Date.

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