KALA UTSAV – the Festival of Arts, takes the stage at the Sanskritik Kendra, Ganges Street, Prashad Nagar in Georgetown this Sunday at 10:00 h, according to a statement from the organisers.

Kala Utsav has exceeded fifteen (15) years and those who went through the process and were evaluated have established themselves in the field of music, singing and dancing.

“We are proud to announce that many of them are actively performing in different parts of the world; North America in particular,” the statement from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said, adding that “it is not only fascinating but exciting to sit, watch and listen to them.”

Among those expected to perform at Kala Utsav this Sunday are youthful boys and girls presenting vocal items in conformity with ‘raags’ and all the concomitant modulations.

“Indian dancing has now taken the front burner and our Guyanese girls and boys have excelled in the varying forms of dances,” the Sabha stated.

Recently, the Sabha introduced Kirtan which brings participants in groups, singing and inspiring mandir devotees. The format has been changed and musical instruments are now being played in symphony style and those who have shown potentials will be seen presenting instrumentals with keyboards and string instruments. The Sabha’s executives are now insisting on participants who chant Ramayan to do so from the Hindi vernacular. Balkand is chosen for evaluation.

The Sabha said it has secured the services of knowledgeable individuals to evaluate the presentations and make awards. Among them Justice Prem Persaud, Pandit Vishnu Panday and Krishna Mandata for Ramayan.

Vocal music will be judged by a teacher from the Indian Cultural Centre, Sen Gupta, Sookranie Boodhoo, Krishna Mandata supported by Justice Prem Persaud and Vishnu Panday. Chandra Manikchand and Mousomie Saha will judge the dancing.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Minister of Culture, Dr Frank Anthony, other members of the Cabinet and members of the Diplomatic Corp are expected to be in attendance.

According to the Sabha, Kala Utsav 2009 will construct a unique atmosphere dominated by loving exchanges, Indian delicacies and participants being drawn from different parts of the three counties which it said “will strengthen our heritage and influence the recognition of our roots”. Kala Utsav is now institutionalised in the fabric of the Guyanese culture and will be exuberantly promoted by the Sabha.