About The Event
KASHIKA
A Weekly Celebration of the Performing Arts of Banaras
Kashika is a weekly two-part celebration of the performing arts of Banaras, presented every Sunday evening at Town Hall, Varanasi. Each edition opens with Ram Ki Shakti Pooja, a dance-drama based on the poem by Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, directed by Vyomesh Shukla, followed by a live music performance drawn from the classical, devotional and folk traditions of the city.
Kashika is a weekly, two-part live cultural event that brings the theatre, dance and music traditions of Banaras together on one stage. Held every Sunday evening at Town Hall, Varanasi, each edition offers approximately two hours of live performance.
The event begins with Ram Ki Shakti Pooja, a dance-drama based on the celebrated poem by Suryakant Tripathi Nirala. Directed by Vyomesh Shukla and performed by the Roopvani ensemble, the production draws its visual language from the Ramlila of Banaras and its musical character from the Banaras Gharana. Presented across several distinguished venues in India and abroad, it brings poetry, theatre, dance, music and ritual traditions into a single stage experience.
The second part of the evening presents a special recital by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, among the foremost voices of the folk music of Uttar Pradesh. Her repertoire draws on the Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Bundelkhandi traditions, including kajri, chaiti, sohar, jhoola, birha and the seasonal and ceremonial songs that mark the year, alongside thumri and dadra in the tradition of the Banaras Gharana, learnt under Vidushi Girija Devi. The programme will also feature an intimate conversation with the artist, led by Vyomesh Shukla, offering audiences a deeper insight into her musical journey, creative practice, and the living musical heritage of Banaras.
Kashika is designed for residents, visitors, pilgrims, students, families and connoisseurs who wish to experience the living performing arts of Kashi through a regular and professionally presented programme.
Format: Live Dance-Drama and Music
Language: Hindi
Duration: 120 Minutes
Frequency: Every Sunday Evening
Venue: Town Hall, Varanasi
Presented jointly under the auspices of the Nagari Pracharini Sabha, Varanasi Municipal Corporation, and the District Tourism and Culture Council, Varanasi.
Category: Theatre and Performing Arts
Sub-category: Dance-Drama and Music
Language: Hindi
Duration: 120
Age Limit: All Ages
