Arts & Culture

There are rare souls who do not merely practice an art; they alter its destiny. Born with a purpose beyond their own lifetime, they become instruments through which an ancient tradition is protected, renewed, and transmitted with integrity to future generations.

India has always been acknowledged as the ‘Land of Festivals’. Festivals are a true reflection of its rich cultural heritage. India is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The beauty of our country’s culture lies in the fact that almost every month of the year one or more festival is celebrated in some part of the country. The months of Hindu calendar are Chaitra, Baisakh, Jyeshtha, Aashad, Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Kartik, Margshisha, Paush, Magha and

I have spent nearly seven years, and I am still counting in this gentle, vibrant land. Not in one continuous stretch, but across two distinct phases, two cherished roles, and two lifetimes of learning. From 2014 to 2018, I arrived as a humble dance teacher at the Indian Cultural Centre, my feet fresh with the rhythms of India, my heart eager to share the language of Mudra and Tala with students who would soon become family.

In 1838 from India, we set sail as strangers to this land With our rich culture, traditions, and brotherhood We kept strong; so that we managed on the sea and on land A better life we were told… traveling across the Kala-Pani, awaiting the unknown Five died at sea on the journey of 114 days Packed tight like sausages, but who cares! Separation began when we landed in Berbice… Demerara and Essequibo- We came from the east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madras- the time had come For our

Located approximately 14,477 kilometers from New Delhi in the South American continent, Georgetown is the capital of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Its indigenous inhabitants are the Arawak and Carib tribes, whose history dates back thousands of years. Since the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda first sighted the Guyanese coast in 1499, the region has been the subject of constant conflict between the French, Dutch, and British colonial powers. In 1814, the British establi

When historians write about migration, they often record numbers, ships, contracts, and destinations. They tell us when the ships sailed, how many passengers survived the journey, and where they eventually settled. Yet, the most important cargo of migration rarely appears in official records. The Girmitiyas who departed from India in the nineteenth century for distant colonies such as Demerara carried very little in terms of material possessions. Many were impoverished peasan

Asavari Pawar, affectionately known as the “Dancing Jewel of India,” is an acclaimed Kathak exponent, choreographer, educator, writer, and cultural ambassador whose artistic journey reflects a rare blend of tradition, innovation, and global outreach. She inherited her passion for Kathak from her illustrious father, Padmashri Guru Pratap Pawar, MBE, one of the foremost exponents of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. Beginning her dance training at the age of eight as a member of h

Mohit Shukla is a distinguished media professional, cultural entrepreneur, and Founder & Director of Kamaakhya Productions, a leading organization dedicated to art, culture, media, entertainment, and event production in India. Since 2006, he has been actively engaged in the fields of music, cinema, cultural promotion, media production, public relations, and entertainment, building a reputation for excellence, innovation, and meaningful cultural engagement.

In 1973, my family stepped off a flight into Georgetown, embarking on a cultural adventure that would shape our lives and leave a permanent signature on the history of the Caribbean. Looking back on it now as an artist, I realize how much of my father’s enterprising spirit I absorbed during those foundational years spent traveling between continents. My father, Padmashri Guru Pratap Pawar, is recognized today as a pioneer of classical Kathak dance; but to my younger brother P

This edition of Amrapali Magazine arrives with a story that travels across oceans, time, and memory, From Ganga to Demerara: The Living Legacy of the Girmitiyas. It is a reflection on migration and survival, on the quiet strength of those who crossed seas carrying nothing but hope, faith, and fragments of homeland in their hearts. Their journey from the sacred banks of the Ganga and other Indian rivers to the fertile lands of Demerara in Guyana continues to echo through gener

Preya Patel is an accomplished Kathak dancer, educator, choreographer, and cultural ambassador based in New York City. As the Executive and Artistic Director of Vivarta Arts, she has dedicated her career to preserving, promoting, and advancing the rich traditions of North Indian classical dance while making it accessible to diverse audiences across the United States. Trained under the guidance of Guru Smt. Jamuna Mitcham, Preya continues her artistic journey under the mentors

The spiritual connection between India and Guyana is a remarkable story of faith, resilience, culture, and identity. Though separated by oceans and thousands of miles, the two nations share a deep spiritual bond that has endured for nearly two centuries. This connection was formed through the migration of Indian indentured laborers to Guyana during the 19thcentury and has continued to flourish through religion, traditions, values, and cultural heritage. Today, the relationshi

India’s artistic heritage is a vibrant tapestry woven with centuries of tradition, culture, and creativity. From intricate textiles to exquisite pottery, the country’s arts and crafts reflect its diverse regions and communities. Today, the digital age has opened new doors for enthusiasts and collectors alike to explore and acquire these treasures through the Indian crafts marketplace.

Seven year old Master Naman Anand Hembram is the "Little Champ' as he was judged the best dancer in the junior category for the Antarang Utsav National Dance Competition (2026), organised by All India Dancers Association (AIDA) in Mumbai on 20th April. Master Naman is a trained Bharata Natyam dancer and has been seeking training under award winning Bharata Natyam exponent and mentor,based in New Delhi, Ayush Jaiswal. He is the director of Ayush Dance Works(ADW), a premier onl

Dr. Deepti Bansal is a talented Hindustani Classical Vocalist who specializes in the rare art of Thumri singing. She is a well trained artiste in classical, semi-classical and devotional forms of Indian Music. She has traditional knowledge of various forms of music like Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti, Hori and Bhajans. Deepti has imbibed the intricacies of Thumri Gayaki of Banaras Gharana and specializes in its presentation. Gifted with a melodious voice, her singing ha