The historic central courtyard of the Indian Museum, Kolkata, came alive with colour, music, poetry, and dance as Prabha Khaitan Foundation presented a grand celebration of Vasanta Utsav, inspired by the timeless love of Radha and Krishna as immortalised in Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam. The evening brought together art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, diplomats, and distinguished guests for a celebration that beautifully blended spirituality, aesthetics, and the joy of spring.
Curated around the theme “Rang, Ras aur Radha-Krishna Prem”, the programme explored the many shades of divine love, longing, and union through poetry, music, and dance. Managing Trustee of the Foundation, Sundeep Bhutoria opened the evening with a poetic narration inspired by Gita Govindam, transporting audiences into the enchanting world of Vrindavan and the eternal bond between Radha and Krishna.
A major highlight of the evening was the captivating Odissi presentation by renowned Indian classical dancer and Ehsaas woman of Kolkata, Dona Ganguly along with her troupe, Diksha Manjari. Through evocative choreographies such as Basant Pallavi and Lalita Lavanga Lata, they brought alive the beauty of spring and the emotional journey of love, separation, yearning, and reunion. Their graceful movements and expressive storytelling held the audience spellbound.
Adding a musical dimension to the celebration, Anando Gupta and members of Dakshinayan (UK) presented a selection of Rabindra Sangeet dedicated to the season of spring. The melodies captured the spirit of renewal, blossoming nature, and festive exuberance, enriching the evening’s artistic tapestry.
The celebration concluded on a patriotic and uplifting note with performances of Jai Ho, Desh Rangila, Vande Mataram, and Rang Diye Jao, creating a vibrant fusion of devotion, culture, and national pride. In his remarks, Sundeep Bhutoria reflected on how India’s diverse spring traditions—from the Holi of Vrindavan to the Vasanta Utsav of Santiniketan—are united by a common spirit of love, harmony, and celebration.
A memorable confluence of art, faith, and cultural heritage, Vasanta Utsav transformed the Indian Museum into a canvas of colour, rhythm, and timeless emotion.
