Kalagram: Confluence of Indian art and culture in Prayagraj
Hyderabad: The Union culture ministry has allocated Rs 20 crore to Kalagram, a 10.24-acre cultural village near Prayagraj station, as part of the Mahakumbh 2025, which will feature artists like Kailash Kher and Mohit Chauhan.
Kalagram is located less than two kilometers from the station and offers free entry. This village is seen as a culmination of art, heritage, food and performances, bringing together thousands of artists from several parts of the country, including many from Hyderabad and Telangana.
“We are expecting over a million visitors, so, at present, it is all free, but if we have to manage the crowd later on, we might put in some nominal entry fee,” said Amita Prasad Sarabhai, joint secretary, ministry of culture.
Artists from the South include performers such as Ananda Shankar Jayant, a Padma awardee, will present Bharatanatyam on January 19, while Deepika Reddy, known for her Kuchipudi expertise, will perform on January 26. Kala Krishna, an SNA awardee specialising in Andhra Natyam, is scheduled for February 24. These artists, along with many others from the region, bring diverse traditions and unique artistry to the stage. “Artists from South India are an important part of the lineup. Their performances represent the traditions of their regions, and their contributions add a special dimension to Kalagram,” explained Sarabhai. Other prominent artists to expect at Kalagram include Padma awardee Shankar Mahadevan who will perform on January 18, singer Kailash Kher and percussionist Bickram Ghosh on February 23, Mohit Chauhan on February 24 and more.
The cultural village is designed to engage visitors in multiple ways. A 635-foot-wide, 54-foot-high façade at the entrance features the 12 Jyotirlingas, creating a memorable visual experience. Inside, five stages, including the main Kalagram stage and the Ganga Pandal, will host over 14,632 artists across 45 days. Performances include everything from classical music and dance to folk traditions, featuring celebrated names such as Dr L. Subramaniam, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Hariharan and Ranjani-Gayatri. The South Zone Aangan, themed around the Adi Kumbheshwar Temple in Kumbakonam, will feature stalls by artisans showcasing Tanjore paintings, temple jewelry, silk textiles and other crafts.
At Kalagram, visitors will also experience immersive 5D shows on Ganga Avataran and Samudra Manthan, written by national award-winning playwright Atul Tiwari, or engage in astronomy nights with telescopes set up for stargazing. AI-generated visuals of mythological narratives will also be a big part of the village. A digital exhibition titled Shashvat Aviral Kumbh, curated by the Archaeological Survey of India, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the National Archives will explore the rituals, history and stories of Kumbh. A photography competition with a Rs 70-lakh prize pool invites participants to capture the spirit of the Mahakumbh, while food stalls will serve Satvik cuisine from across the country.
Kalagram will represent several aspects of India’s cultural and spiritual legacy including its tangible and intangible heritage. “The performances, the artisan workshops, the cuisine, the exhibitions, Kalagram brings everything under one roof,” said Sarabhai.