The festival will feature Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Kathak. Photo: 123rf
The Wellington region is poised to host the Indian Classical Arts Festival on 8 September in Lower Hutt.
The event at Lower Hutt Town Hall promises to celebrate India's ancient classical dance and music traditions, bringing together talented artists from across the region.
Organised by voluntary organization Namasankeerthanam Group, the festival is supported by the Indian High Commission, Hutt City Council and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
"This festival is a celebration of India's ancient and revered art forms, which have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich cultural tapestry of the country," said Prabha Ravi, a Namasankeerthanam Group spokesperson.
The festival is expected to feature Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Kathak.
Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi are classical dance forms with roots tracing back thousands of years to southern India.
Kathak's origins can be traced to northern India.
"The festival will also showcase classical Indian music, with performances on traditional instruments like the veena, mridangam, flute and violin, along with classical vocal music," Ravi said.
"ICAF aims to bring these exquisite traditions to the forefront, providing a platform for the talented artists within our community to share their passion and mastery with a wider audience."
Vishwa Alagappan, youth project lead for the festival, said the event should interest "anyone who appreciates the beauty of culture and music".
"We are excited to share these art forms with the broader community and invite everyone to come and experience the magic of Indian classical dance and music," Alagappan said.