Administrator Attends Closing Ceremony of “Cultural Kaarva’n: Virasat 2026” at Tagore Theatre

Administrator Emphasises Importance of Staying Connected with India’s Cultural Roots

The Voice of Chandigarh | Pari Jain

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, attended the closing ceremony of the two-day cultural festival “Cultural Kaarva’n: Virasat 2026” at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh. The festival was organised under Jashn-e-Adab Sahityotsav with the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration.

The event brought together artists, writers, singers, poets and theatre performers from different parts of the country, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage, music, literature and folk traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Kataria said that such festivals play an important role in keeping people connected with India’s traditions, languages and cultural values. He appreciated the organisers for creating a platform that showcases diverse art forms while promoting harmony, dialogue and the spirit of unity in diversity.

The Administrator observed that art, music and literature are not merely sources of entertainment, but also powerful media for preserving cultural identity and strengthening emotional bonds within society. He stressed that while the younger generation should embrace modern ideas and technology, they must also remain rooted in their cultural heritage and traditions.

The second day of the festival commenced with a soulful Sufi music performance by Bhopal-based Zubair Alam and his group, Alams Band. This was followed by Vaishnavi Sharma’s presentation titled Anhad Kavita, based on Indian classical ragas. Later, the Asmita Theatre Group staged the acclaimed play Pagdi Sambhal Jatta, written by Rajesh Kumar.

One of the major highlights of the programme was a classical music recital by Padma Bhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra and Swaransh Mishra. Renowned poets and humorists Prof. Ashok Chakradhar and Surendra Sharma also entertained the audience with their humorous presentation Hansi, Hansi Mein. The festival concluded with a captivating Sufi singing performance by noted singer Dr Mamta Joshi.