By Mewati Sitaram
The Gita Mahotsav 2025, organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, was celebrated with devotion and artistic splendour on December 9 at the Panibharatha Theatre of the University of Visual and Performing Arts.
The festival was jointly inaugurated by Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Prof. Rohan Nethsinghe, Vice Chancellor of the University, marking the start of an evening devoted to classical traditions inspired by the Bhagavad Gita.
The programme opened with a vibrant Kandyan dance performance by the Ravibandhu Samanthi Dance Ensemble, led by Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathi. The performance, inspired by the Mahabharata, highlighted the grace, rhythm and cultural depth of Sri Lanka’s Kandyan dance tradition.
Next, disciples of Natya Kala Mandhir, under Kalasuri Smt. Vasugy Jegatheeswaran, presented a Bharatanatyam recital including Nirthiyanjali, Varnam, Gita Upadesam and Thillana, reflecting devotion, storytelling finesse and the spiritual essence of Indian classical dance.
The final segment featured students of the Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Eastern University, Batticaloa, with Yadhava Madhava, a thematic portrayal of Lord Krishna’s divine leelas, wisdom, and charm through expressive movements and refined classical technique.
The event was widely appreciated, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita—dharma, harmony, and spiritual awakening. It served as a meaningful platform for cultural exchange and artistic excellence between India and Sri Lanka.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
