Kalagrama, Kala means art, and Grama, means village, i.e., Artist's village. A place where artisans perform their skills. It is one of the art lovers' hubs and an attractive tourist center of Bangalore. The project of constructing a place called Kalagrama was conceived in 2001 when S M Krishna was the chief minister—tracing the blankets of a rich architectural heritage spread over sixteen centuries in Karnataka, in India unveiling them in a modern context for the Artist's Village. A lot of activities took place at Kalagrama throughout the year. The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was one of them. The event was an immense success on all four days for every art enthusiast of all ages who were a part of the event. It was a natural ambience for artists and art lovers to gather together and be a part of a glorious event.
A four-day Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was organised by the Ministry of Culture, in association with the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka. The event was held at Kalagrama, Bengaluru. The Mahotsav was a fusion of crafts and folk-art forms and dance performances by over 600 tribal and folk artists from across the country. It was held from 5th March to 8th March 2017, having a various assortment of events.
The stage displayed the diversity of India and its culture with a large number of performers. Bestowed by various states in India, the dances had abundant genres like Kud dance, Sirmouri Naati, Punjabi, Haryanvi, Rathwa Adivasi Nrithya, Tarpa tribal dance, Teratal dance, Samai-Dekhani, Bahurupia, Tejaji, Aney-na dance, Bihu dance, warrior dance, Lai Haraoba dance, Jhinjhiya dance, Karma dance, Ghoomer/Panihari dance, Thadiya choufla, Karagam and Kavadi, Oppana/Thirvathara Kali, Lambadi, Pooja Kunitha, Goor Madiya, Koraku Nritya, Dappu Nritya, Dangir Gaja, Sambalpuri, Natwa, Raibansi, Qawwali, Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Vocal and Kathak. The stage came alive with these breathtaking performances.
India is known for its ethnicity. As far as art and culture are concerned, India features amongst the culturally rich countries in the world. Highly skilled artisans increased the fame of Indian handicrafts around the globe. Many rural people still earn their livelihood from their creative pieces of art. Innumerable artisans displayed their art and handicrafts in Kalagramaa during Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav for the visitors. Mr. Islam Ahmed is a renowned Lac bangle artist from Jaipur. He showcased his bangle-making skills at Kalagrama.
