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Nadi Utsav: A Celebration of India's Riverine Soul
14 Feb
Summary
- Exhibition showcases rare photographs and paintings celebrating India's riverine heritage.
- Festival aims to highlight cultural and ecological importance of rivers through art.
- Organizers plan to expand the Nadi Utsav to other cities across India.
Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata is hosting the "Nadi Utsav: An Exhibition of Rare Photographs and Paintings," a vibrant showcase of India's deep-rooted connection between rivers and culture. Running from February 2 to February 11, 2026, this exhibition features a curated collection of rare photographs and paintings from both Indian and European artists, drawing from a private collection. The event, a collaboration between Victoria Memorial Hall and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), delves into the cultural and ecological significance of India's rivers.
Organized as part of the broader #NadiUtsav initiative, the exhibition explores riverine heritage through various lenses, including myth, pilgrimage, ritual practices, and livelihoods. A concurrent two-day seminar facilitated dialogue among scholars and artists on evolving riverine culture narratives. The positive public response has encouraged organizers to consider taking the Nadi Utsav to other cities, particularly along the Indo-Gangetic plain. This initiative underscores the critical message that river preservation is not just an environmental concern but a cultural imperative.
