Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Mahotsav, A Celebration of Arts at Parul University

Vadodara, Gujarat ESTD 1989

Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Mahotsav Carries Forward the City’s Cultural Legacy, Brings Together Renowned Names Such as Manoj Joshi, Shekhar Suman, Geetika Tyagi, Rakesh Bedi, Rajendra Gupta & Himani Shivpuri Under One Roof

Popularly regarded as the Kala Nagari (City of Art), Vadodara has been known as the Cultural Capital of Gujarat, a true reflection of the dynamic vision of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III who aimed to make theatre and performing arts as one of the key pillars of a thriving society. This vision led to the establishment of the Faculty of Performing Arts as the first faculty at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Even today, the dream continues to take shape in the form of art, theatre and vibrant festivals that turns the city into a hub of artistic expressions.

Following in the footsteps of his artistic vision, the city-based Parul University is all set to host a 4-day vibrant art festival, Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Mahotsav, that will essentially provide a robust platform for artists and dramatists from Vadodara, Gujarat, and India at large; turning this into a national celebration of art, culture, and theatrical expression. Spread over a course of 4 days, this Natya Mahotsav, hosted under the banner of the university’s Faculty of Performing Arts, is designed with an aim to conserve, promote, and revive drama as one of the major forms of artistic expression, ensuring its relevance stays timeless.

The event will be inaugurated through the hands of the veteran actor and renowned theatre personality, Padma Shri Manoj Joshi, whose celebrated career and love for stage is the perfect representation of the event. Widely renowned for his role in Chanakya the play, his presence will honor the timeless essence of India’s cultural and artistic legacy and will be an iconic inspiration for budding artists. Over the 4-day duration, this festival will be the stage for 8 enchanting dramas including Chanakya, Ek Mulakat, Massage, and Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, and renowned theatre personalities such as Manoj Joshi (Chanakya), Shekhar Suman & Geetika Tyagi (Ek Mulaqat), Rakesh Bedi (Massage), and Rajendra Gupta & Himani Shivpuri (Jeena Isi ka Naam Hai), along with several other productions that will truly reflect the convergence of art, storytelling, and creativity.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Manish Jangra, Dean of Faculty of Performing Arts and Senior Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs said, “Theatre is not just an art form, it's the true reflection of our collective cultural and human experience. Through this Natya Mahotsav, we want to keep alive Vadodara’s legacy of storytelling.” By bringing together theatre artists from different backgrounds, the event not only aims to encourage artistic exchange but also strengthen the community of artists who strive to keep this art form thriving.

“Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Mahotsav is not only a tribute to the Maharaja and his vision but also a way to inspire the next-gen of artists to embrace this timeless art form,” said Dr. Parul Patel, Vice- President of Parul University. Through such events, Parul University’s Faculty of Performing Arts through its offerings of fulltime degrees in Performing Arts such as Music, Dance, and Theatre and dual degrees that allows students to pursue passion along with profession - envisions to carry

forward the legacy and vision of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of nurturing talent and cultivating a deep sense of gratitude, appreciation and respect for the India’s artistic traditions.

This festival stands as a testament of Parul University’s vision to promote and nurture creativity and ensuring that Vadodara remains a thriving stage for the performing arts.