Arts & Culture

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

Dance is like that wisp of air—invisible to the eye, yet palpable along the contours of the body. It is akin to an unspoken language—one that is born before words exist and endures long after words have faded away. World Dance Day signifies far more than a mere ticking entry on a calendar; it is the reawakening of that primal memory—the moment when humanity first touched the earth with its feet, and from that very touch, a rhythm was born.

India’s dance traditions are not merely art forms—they are living embodiments of history, devotion, storytelling, and identity. From the intricate footwork of Kathak to the sculptural grace of Bharatanatyam, from the spiritual lyricism of Odissi to the vibrant storytelling of Kathakali, each tradition carries within it centuries of wisdom passed down through generations. These dances are not static relics of the past—they breathe through the bodies of practitioners, guided by

The archeological survey of India has in the 12th century identified Chennakeshava temple in Belur and Halebid in Hassan district, Karnataka as one of the distinguished monuments and is in the list of world heritage sites. Of the total 44 UNESCO world heritage sites in the country these have been the most celebrated ones as a tourist spot. Hoysaleshwara temple also spelled as Hoysaleswara, also referred simply as the Halebidu temple, is a 12th century Hindu temple dedicated t

When was the last time you truly felt what you were wearing? The morning sun slipped gently through the curtains as Meher stood before her wardrobe, fingers hovering between a crisp white shirt and her grandmother’s soft, handwoven dupatta. “Dadi,” she called out, “does it really matter what wear anymore? Isn’t it all just… fashion?” From the other room came a soft chuckle. “Put on that dupatta and come here,” her grandmother replied. Meher sighed—but she obeyed. The Language