Nadi Utsav Concludes with Reflections on River Conservation and Cultural Resonance

The 6th Nadi Utsav (River Festival), organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under India’s Ministry of Culture, concluded today.

The festival dedicated to the conservation and celebration of rivers was inaugurated by India’s Jal Shakti Minister, Mr C. R. Patil, on 25th September at IGNCA, New Delhi. 

Over three days, the festival celebrated rivers as ecological lifelines and cultural reservoirs, blending scholarship, art, and performance to reaffirm the vital bond between communities and rivers.

Classical singer of Hindustani music, Malini Awasthi, in her lecture “Nadi aur Geet”, observed that in our folk songs, rivers are not merely streams of water; they assume the role of a heroine, weaving melodies of love, longing, and separation. Rivers are not only sources of water but flowing streams of culture, faith, and timeless inspiration. It is India’s fortune that we have rivers, and through them, the cultural essence of India remains intact.

Mr Gopal Arya, Central Office Secretary of the RSS, speaking at the valedictory session, said, just as the ocean was churned for gems, Nadi Utsav is a churning of rivers from which many cultural and intellectual gems have emerged. A river is not merely movement; it is an integral part of our culture.

Prof. K. Anil Kumar, IGNCA, noted that Nadi Utsav honours rivers as both ecological and cultural lifelines. At the same time, Mr Abhay Mishra, Convenor of Nadi Utsav, highlighted the festival’s role in bridging tradition and contemporary practices.

Highlights of Nadi Utsav 2025

National Seminar

A National Seminar on ‘Riverscape Dynamics: Changes and Continuity’ brought together sessions on traditional riverine knowledge and wisdom, river gods and folk narratives, the river in art, craft practices, and the relationship between science and rivers.

Scholars and experts shared their perspectives, engaging in dialogues that emphasise the cultural, ecological, and artistic dimensions of rivers. 

Over 300 research papers were received, of which 45 were presented, exploring “Riverscape Dynamics: Changes and Continuity”, in collaboration with the University of Delhi.

Cultural Performances and Academic Sessions

Discussions on River in Art, River Gods and Folk Narratives, Science and Rivers, and Traditional Knowledge Systems were complemented by sessions featuring Indian Army veterans, who shared river-related life experiences.

Adding a rich artistic layer to the festival, the performances and storytelling segment included Classical Renditions on Rivers by Sudha Raghuraman and her team, Ganga Gaatha (Dastangoi) by Himanshu Bajpai and Pragya, and Ganga’s Curse (Interactive Storytelling) by Kapil Pandey. The event concluded with River Songs of Bengal by Saurav Moni and team.

These performances offered creative reflections on riverine traditions, highlighting how rivers continue to inspire musical, poetic, and oral traditions across various regions. 

Film Screenings and Documentaries

The festival featured documentaries and thought-provoking films, such as Ek Delhi Yamuna Ki, Kaveri – River of Life, River Man of India, Arth Ganga, Cauvery – River of Life, The Lost Melody of Musi, Ladakh – Life Along the Indus, among others, which presented the ecological and emotional heritage of rivers.

These screenings portray ecological concerns, community practices, and the enduring human connection with rivers, drawing attention to the multiple ways in which river systems shape lives and landscapes.

Art Exhibition

Complementing these performances was an accompanying exhibition, Nadi Anubhav, which captivated the audience. 

The exhibition curated by Anuj Agarwal displayed contemporary artworks, Kalighat paintings, photographs, and poetic expressions dedicated to rivers, creating a space where artistic imagination and ecological consciousness converge.

Wrapping Up

Through lectures, research, exhibitions, films, and performances, the 6th Nadi Utsav fostered a renewed dialogue on river conservation, positioning rivers not only as natural resources but as symbols of cultural meaning and social responsibility.

The festival concluded with a call to safeguard rivers for future generations, reaffirming their central place in India’s ecological and cultural fabric.