October
to March is the "cultural season" of Delhi, during which time a plethora
of events take place in the fields of the visual and performing arts. The best
of the performing arts representing the range of classical dance forms and schools
of music from all over India can be viewed at Kamani Auditorium, the Chamber
Theatre at Triveni Kala Sagam, FICCI Auditorium, the India International Center,
Siri Fort, LTG Auditorium, Pragati Maidan and Sri Ram Centre, where Delhites
can enjoy the privilege of seeing, and listening to, the legendary gurus as
well as their disciples.
Music lovers look forward to the Shankarlal, Dhrupad and Tansen Festivals in
February and March and the Vishnu Digamber Festival in August, at which India's
greatest musicians perform Roshanara Festivals of music and dance organized
by Delhi Tourism.
October witnesses the popular Qutub Festivals where reputed musicians and dancers
offer captivating renditions with the Qutub Minar as the backdrop. Film buffs
eagerly await the National Film Festivals and the bi-annual International Film
Festival, held in January. Apart from commercial cinema houses, films are periodically
screened at the Max Mueller Bhawan, the Alliance Francaise, the Japan Cultural
Centre, the British Council Division, the Russian Centre for Science and Cultural
and the Hungarian Information Centre.
Theatre
in Delhi receives a constant impetus from the presence of the National School
Of Drama. The variety offered ranges from Hindi translations of European plays,
to regional theatre, as well as folk forms. Delhi's numerous art galleries reflect
the country's burgeoning art scene. Well-known and new artists from all over
the country display their works in these galleries. Notices of exhibitions are
given in daily newspapers and specific city magazines.
Among the active galleries are Art Heritage, Triveni Art Gallery, Sridharani
Gallery, Art Today, Vadehra Art Gallery, Eicher Gallery, Gallery 42, Dhoomi
Mal Art Centre, Gallery Escape, Lalit Kala Akademi, LGT Gallery, Gallery Ganesha,
Gallery steps, AIFACS, Max Mueller Photo Gallery, British Council Divisio Gallery,
Gallery Romain Rolland, Khirkee Gallery, the Village Gallery and at times the
American Centre.
Traditional crafts, too have long been practiced in Delhi. The city was particularly
well known for its silver and gold enameling, and zari or embroidery in gold
thread. Master-craftersmen in both crafts still live in the Walled City where
there are also miniature painters.
Delhi also has fine potters, wooden toy makes, kite makers and lacquer craftsmen.
In Old Delhi it is not unusual to come upon a traditional workshop.
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