Kūṭiyāṭṭaṁ, is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala, India. Performed in the Sanskrit language in Hindu temples, it is believed to be 2,000 years old. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

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Pavakathakali, glove puppet play, came into vogue and popularity in Kerala two centuries ago through the influence of the famous classical dance theatre, Kathakali. By incorporating some Kathakali techniques and modelling puppets based on their characters, the Pavakathakali art-form emerged. The word Pava means “puppet” and Kathakali means “story play”. The glove puppet theatre form is of great importance because of its ability to present Kathakali, our classical dance-drama, through puppetry.These performances before children made them quite familiar with the stories of two major Hindu scriptures, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. And also the performance engendered in the minds of children, certain values which are very important in life.

Venue: 13th, 14th & 15th July 2014

13th July 2014, 5 PM onwards at Ganesha Park, close to Allalasandra Lake, ‘A’-Sector, Yelahanka New Town, Bangalore-64 (in association with Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA)

14th July 2014 at 11:00AM at Poorna School, Sathnur Village  followed by Parikrma, Yelahanka (In association with the Bangalore Chapter of SPICMACAY.

15th July 2014 at 1:00PM at Army Public School (Kamraj Road) at 9:00 AM followed by Brigade School, J.P Nagar 7th Phase, Bangalore

Pavakathakali Performance

Release of DVD ‘Masters of Hindustani Classical Music Series‘ Pandit Arvind Parikh as part of Great masters of Hindustani Classical Music Series By Ms Dipali Khanna, Member Secretary, IGNCA . The release will be followed by performance by students of Shri Arvind Parikh

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• Invitation

Manipur the beautiful land is inhabited by the Meiteis community who are in majority. Tongkul Nagas and over nineteen small tribes also are part of the population who have a rich heritage, history and culture. This documentary covers their culture, rituals, festivals and much more. The state’s history is rich so is the culture equally vibrant. Many people prefer church marriages, “Dhol-Cholom”, Rāsalīlā is a real treat to the eyes. People enjoy their life through various games.
A land of rich handicrafts, art of making pottery, special dolls, and handlooms needs a special mention. Although Imphal has become much more advanced, the small villages and towns still maintain the traditional values and the ways of life.

This short term course on Buddhist Studies its art and Philosophy will be conducted every Wednesday and Friday. The enrolment is free of cost and on a first come first basis. A certificate will be issued to students who attend all lectures on completion of course. For course details please contact Dr. Radha Banerjee Sarkar, In charge East Asia, IGNCA (rbsarkar18@gmail.com ) Ph 23388211 and Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra akm67111@rediffmail.com and Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy kkumar.aum@gmail.com

• Brief Note on Buddhism  |  Brief sketch of Buddhist art  |  Buddhist Lecture Details

Venue: Auditorium, C.V. Mess, Janapath, New Delhi- 110001       Time: 3.30 p.m.

8th August 2014 
Presentation of Certificates by Hon’ble Member Secretary 
Ms. Dipali Khanna

Concluding Remarks, by Hon’ble Joint Secretary
Mrs. Beena Joshi

Venue- Auditorium, C.V. Mess Building, IGNCA

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Ayurveda continues to grow rapidly as one of the most important systems of mind-body medicine and natural healing, as a spiritual approach to life becomes ever more important in this ecological age. ‘Journey of Ayurveda’ travels in time from its origins in India to its progress into the 21st century, where Ayurvedic medicine is gaining international interest and respect as an alternative means of caring for physical and mental health.

Director : Shri Bappa Ray

Civil servant-turned-writer Raghav Chandra will talk about how the tiger’s fight for survival inspired his just-launched novel Scent of a Game. Exciting works of fiction, non-fiction and those of academic interest will be showcased through readings, panel discussions and informal conversations. The aim is to tap into the rich intellectual wealth of Delhi and the IGNCA, and bridge the divide between the reader and writer in the wonderful setting on the IGNCA Library.

On 21st June 2014, the Raja Deen Dayal exhibition was inaugurated at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) NGMA by noted historian Dr Ramachandra Guha. Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Dr Himani Pande, Mr KG Kumar, Director NGMA and Mr. Vikram Sampath participated. The Exhibition is on for a month till 20th July 2014 and opens on all days except Mondays.

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Inauguration on 21st June 2014, 6:00 PM, by Dr. Ramachandra Guha, Historian.

being cut out of a single piece of rock from top to bottom and open to the sky. The presentation explores many contours of the temple, including the geo-location, the cultural/religious significance of the temple which is part of Ellora. Going deep into the history and mystery of the temple she has reached more questions than answers- Maharshi Valmiki and Vyasa sitting at the entrance, angels all over flying with garlands, the vaulted barrel structures, the kalashas, lion-like animals called sharduls at the top , guarding the temple and fighting with elephants. Is there any parallel of these barrel type to the arc of the covenant and of the Kalashas to the Holy Grail?’ The technology of rock cutting looks amazing as an in depth study has confirmed that there are no chisel marks at certain parts of the temple. The whole Kailash temple awaits multi-disciplinary research. Venue: IGNCA Lecture Room,11 Mansingh Road, New Delhi 110 001 Time: 4.00 p.m.

Duration: 49 minutes Produced by IGNCA
The icons of Lord Jagannath and his companions in Jagannath Temple of Puri in Orissa are made of Neem wood. Ritualistically, these icons are made after an interval of 12/19 years. This ancient event revolves around Banajaga Yatra, the journey undertaken in search of the sacred log. Temple men known as Dayitas or Daitas, said to be descendents of Visavasu tribe of mythological origin, are authorized for this exercise. Many rituals are followed before the tree is axed. Most important point to be noted is that in this process a new sapling is planted on the spot where the Neem tree was axed – a gesture of balancing the nature.

Director: Shri Prithviraj Mishra

Inauguration on 13th June 2014 at 6.30 PM by His Excellency Governor of Karnataka Dr HR Bhardwaj.