The National Gallery of Victoria will hold its annual Indian Community Day on Saturday, bringing together classical dance, live music, poetry and art activities in a free five-hour program at NGV International.
Hosted by Deepa Awtani, the event will run from noon to 5pm and feature performers and artists from Victoria’s Indian community.
The program will begin with Indian classical musician Saikat Bhattacharya performing the sitar in the Great Hall from 12.10pm. Naad Band will follow at 1pm with a community singalong spanning Indian classics, contemporary songs, ghazals and Sufi music.
Classical dance will form a central part of the afternoon program. Rhythmica Dance School will present Odissi, one of India’s oldest classical dance traditions, at 2pm.
The Naach Box will perform Kathak from 2.25pm, with a program drawing on the form’s storytelling, spins and intricate footwork. ABCD Bollywood Dance School will then present Gujarati folk dances, including Garba and Dandiya, from 2.50pm.
Poet Mohammad Abu Nasar will lead an Urdu poetry session in the Level 1 exhibition space at 2pm. The recital will include his original work alongside poetry associated with Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Javed Akhtar.
DJ Ash will take over the Great Hall from 3.10pm with an hour-long set combining contemporary Indian club music and older popular songs.
Visitors will also be able to join art-making workshops and guided tours of the NGV’s Indian art collection. Activities have been planned for children and adults.
An Indian menu featuring chai, mango lassi and mithai will be available during the event.
Indian Community Day will be held at NGV International on St Kilda Road, Melbourne, from noon to 5pm on Saturday, September 12. Admission and scheduled activities are free.
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