Prasar Bharati launches two documentary series
Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, launched two documentary series this week, continuing its commitment to showcasing the nation’s rich cultural, spiritual and civilisational heritage through meaningful and engaging content.
As part of this endeavour, Prasar Bharati launched “Awakening India — Season 2” on Saturday, a documentary series that celebrates the depth, diversity and continuity of India’s civilisational heritage. Building on the success of the first season, the series explores the ideas, values, traditions and personalities that have shaped the Indian consciousness over millennia.
Through engaging narratives, expert perspectives and immersive storytelling, the programme examines the spiritual, philosophical, cultural and historical foundations that continue to influence India’s identity in the modern world. By revisiting significant moments, institutions and individuals from India’s past, Awakening India — Season 2 offers viewers a deeper understanding of the forces that have contributed to the nation’s enduring resilience, unity and cultural vitality. The programme seeks to inspire reflection, foster pride in India’s heritage and encourage meaningful engagement with the timeless ideas that continue to shape the country’s future.
The programme brings together an impressive lineup of eminent monks, spiritual leaders, scholars, journalists, authors, educationists, legal experts and distinguished public intellectuals from across the country. Among the participants featured are Monks of Ram Krishna Mission and Chander Kanwar Bhardwaj, Nikhil Yadav, Vartika Nanda, Dr. Kajal Tahiri, Prof. KG Suresh, Vikas Bhushan Gupta, Harpal Singh (Yogi Ekam Aikoham Nath), Pawan Sinha, Deepak Kuntal (Acharya Shri Dev Vrat) and several other eminent guests.
The series is anchored by Praveen Tiwari and has been conceived and directed by Anurag Darshan, Sr Programme Executive, as an in-house Doordarshan production. Awakening India — Season 2 was premiered on June 6, 2026, and will be telecast every Saturday at 5:00 PM on DD National and 5:30 PM on DD Bharati.
Prasar Bharati also presents “UTSAVAM: The Sacred Pulse of India”, a 7-episode documentary series that explores the spiritually rich 10-day annual festival of the Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple.
Set against the backdrop of one of the most significant cultural and spiritual centres of the Malayali community in North India, the series captures how ancient traditions continue to thrive through collective faith, artistic excellence and community participation.
More than a documentation of a temple festival, UTSAVAM offers a rare glimpse into a living cultural ecosystem where devotion, ritual, music, dance and community life converge. The series showcases the grandeur of temple ceremonies, the vibrancy of traditional processions, and the richness of classical art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Carnatic music and percussion ensembles that form an integral part of the celebrations.
Through immersive storytelling and intimate observations, the series highlights the dedication of artists, devotees, volunteers and community members who work tirelessly to preserve and pass on these traditions to future generations. By capturing both the spiritual essence and cultural significance of the festival, UTSAVAM serves as a tribute to India’s diverse heritage and the enduring power of community-led cultural preservation.
The series reflects how sacred traditions continue to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in faith, identity and collective memory. It is created and directed by Shri Prateek Wason.
UTSAVAM: The Sacred Pulse of India was premiered on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM, with a repeat telecast every Sunday at 5:00 PM.
