Organised by REACH and supported by ONGC, Viraasat 2025 marked three decades of celebrating India’s cultural traditions. The festival, inaugurated by the Governor of Uttarakhand at Dr BR Ambedkar Stadium, Kaulagarh Road, was a visual delight. The opening night set the tone with a mesmerising santoor recital by Abhay Sopori, whose music, rooted in Kashmiri tradition, seemed to weave the audience into a state of quiet reflection.
His performance flowed effortlessly into the resonant beats of tabla and the luminous dance of Manjari Chaturvedi, whose Sufi-Kathak fusion with Ustad Jawad Ali Khan drew thunderous applause. Their presentation, Patiala – A Royal Darbar, was not just a performance but a spiritual dialogue — rhythm meeting poetry, devotion merging with dance.
Viraasat 2025 was a resounding success, seamlessly bridging the traditional with the contemporary, the local with the global. The festival celebrated India’s classical and folk heritage while welcoming international troupes from Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, reflecting a shared love for artistic expression. Dehradun’s own folk roots shone on stage through colourful Jaunsari dances and Kumaoni music, captivating audiences with raw energy and authenticity.
Beyond performances, Viraasat offered an immersive experience, bustling craft bazaars, live art demonstrations, regional cuisines, and interactive workshops drew people of all ages. A superbike rally, vintage vehicle display, and a vibrant youth corner ensured the festival was as dynamic as it was rooted in tradition. This blend of heritage and modernity made Viraasat more than a cultural fair — it was a celebration of life itself.
Perhaps most striking was its spirit of inclusion. Artists, artisans, and audiences shared in a dialogue between generations, elders finding nostalgia in familiar ragas, and youth discovering beauty in traditions once distant. The Governor called Viraasat “a living symbol of India’s diversity and traditions,” a reminder that culture thrives when embraced by all. Viraasat 2025 proved that art is meant to be experienced, shared, and lived, a true celebration of India’s enduring heritage.