In an endeavor to revive the dwindling art of storytelling, Pune-based non-profit organization Bhaashaa Foundation, in collaboration with the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and Gokhale Institute of Political Science and Economics, is set to unveil the latest edition of Kathayatra – ‘Navonmesh-Celebrating Stories of Rejuvenation.’ The three-day festival, scheduled from 1st to 3rd December 2023, aims to bring back the warmth and richness of storytelling to people’s lives.
Swati Raje, Chairperson of Bhaashaa Foundation and the visionary behind Kathayatra, expressed the need to preserve the precious bond between generations through storytelling. She emphasized the festival’s inclusivity, catering to children, parents, grandparents, and language enthusiasts alike. Raje urged parents to explore the program schedule, which features specially designed events for children.
Highlights of ‘Navonmesh-Celebrating Stories of Rejuvenation’
The festival will unfold in two formats – Various Art Forms and an International Discussion Forum. The inauguration ceremony at Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute will be graced by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi and Abhay Firodia. The International Discussion Forum, themed ‘Borders- People, Lives & Literature,’ will take place at Gokhale Institute of Political Science and Economics, featuring eminent speakers from diverse backgrounds.
The core focus of all programs during Kathayatra will be on narratives, with events presented by distinguished guests from Pune, Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chennai, and Germany. The festival will showcase a diverse range of art forms, including dance, theatre, story narrations, puppet shows, competitions, exhibitions, films, and more.
Key Events and Attractions
- Padmashri Dr. Ileana Citaristi’s Odissi dance recital portraying the life of ‘Ekalavya.’
- ‘Katakatha’ from Delhi presenting a puppet show rendition of ‘Arabian Nights.’
- ‘Lavani ke Rang,’ a dance-play from Maharashtra highlighting the lives of Lavani folk artists.
- Renowned actor Kishor Kadam narrating a story by famous Hindi writer Nirmal Verma.
- Chetan Gangawane from Sindhudurg presenting ‘Pinguli Bahuli Natya’ based on stories from Ramayana.
- Senior IFS officer Tushar Chavhan sharing insights on 50 years of Tiger Conservation.
- Rear Admiral Ashish Kulkarni and Doraibabu discussing the Pride of the Indian Navy on Naval Day.
- ‘Deshavatar,’ a fusion dance recital of Bharatnatyam and Kathak by artists from Pune and Mumbai.
- A talk and book release of ‘Medicines across the Border’ by Dr. Bharat Kelkar.
- Film showcasing the digital restoration of Ajanta and Ellora caves by Ravindra Boraoke.
- Special attraction for Punekars: ‘Kahani Lashkarachya Bandchi’ – the story of the 200-year-old army band by the Bombay Engineering Group.
Exhibitions
The festival will host exhibitions on four intriguing topics:
- ‘Celebration of Life’ – Award-winning photographs from a competition organized by the Photographic Society of Pune and Bhaashaa.
- ‘Vanyajeevan Sanvardhan’ (Wildlife Conservation) by Nature Walk.
- ‘Wari’ by Sandesh Bhandare.
- A unique exhibition of rare books by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.
About Bhaashaa Foundation
Bhaashaa Foundation, a non-profit operational for the past 15 years, is dedicated to preserving and promoting regional languages. Founded by Swati Raje, the organization actively involves eminent personalities across various fields to revive local languages, fostering a deep connection with one’s mother tongue. Bhaashaa Foundation consistently strives to create awareness on national and international levels, garnering overwhelming responses for its initiatives.
