Sat 26 April | 5.00pm | £16 (£14 use code BVB2025)

The Bhavan comes back this year with another dance extravaganza for World Dance Day.

Featuring artists form across England, and dances ranging form classical to folk to mythological themes to socially relevant themes that are sure to make you both smile and think, this is an event that promises to take you on a journey of celebration through dance.

Natyalogy
Nrityollaasa Dance School
Nrtyakshetra
Bhumi Dance Co.
Kamalaasya Dance Group
Dance Dreamers
Kalakunj
Dance with Soul
NRITYA TALES
Praghalbhya
NrtyaSakthi
Kalaah UK
IndradhanushKids Academy
URJA Performance Group
Nrithya Sangam
Naad - Pagrav Dance Pre-Professional Performance Group

Carnatic music concert by Smt. Lavanya Sundararaman

Sun 27 April | Doors open - 5.00pm | Start - 5.30pm
For tickets contact: Dr. S. Navaratnam - 07956 579 239

Join an enchanting evening of Carnatic music featuring the acclaimed vocalist Smt. Lavanya Sundararaman. This special charity fundraising concert aims to support preschool education in Sri Lanka.

Lavanya will be accompanied by Sri Baluraguraman on the violin, Sri M. Balachander on the mridangam, and Dr. Abiram Sahadevan on the kanjira.

For tickets contact: Dr. S. Navaratnam - 07956 579 239

Sasvatam presents WORLDWIDE CLASSICAL DANCE 2025

Sat 3 May | 3.30pm - 8.30pm | £15

Sasvatam is driven from the sanskrit word and it means eternity. As the word sasvatam describes continuity we will also continue in organising the events and encourage each and every budding talents to showcase themselves and bring out to the world.

Sasvatam want to keep the essence of the pure classical Art form and identify the real talent from all age group to shine like a star worldwide. Sasvatam is a platform to bring into line with our vision which states that not only the scholarly development of an individual is important but the development of complete persona which helps students to stand out in the competitive professional environment.

Sasvatam was founded by Founder Natya Acharya Dr Jeyanthy Yogharajah and co founder Mrs Bavithra who collaboratively making this event and working for their upcoming events too. Sasvatam is also donating and contributing a part of the share from every event that they organise to various charity non-profitable organisations that provides the education ,food, shelter, clothing and other services to the children personally.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s Son & Grandson present LEGACY - PARAMPARA SERIES OF CONCERTS

Sun 4 May | 6.00pm | £22/17 (£20/£15 use code BVB2025)

A concert series honouring Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi's legacy, curated by his son Pandit Shrinivas Joshi and grandson Viraj Joshi, featuring Kirana gharana compositions with Dr Vijay Rajput. On tabla Saleel Tambe and Siddhiie Kapshikarr on the harmonium.

Trishna: a Musical Odyssey

Sat 10 May | Food Service: 5.00 - 5.45pm | Show starts: 6.00pm | £40/ £30/£25

Following two successful charity musical fundraisers, the singing doctors are back with a unique presentation this time - Trishna: A story of ambition.... A journey of music.... A legend in the making....

Step with us into a world of dreams, ambition, and timeless melodies with “Trishna: A Musical Odyssey”—a mesmerizing narration-style musical that brings Bollywood’s Golden Age to life.

Meet Trishna, a gifted singer with an insatiable thirst (Trishna) for success, struggling to break free from the shadows and carve her own identity. As she navigates the highs and lows of the ruthless playback industry, her journey is one of passion, betrayal, reinvention, and destiny.

Told through unforgettable Bollywood classics, this spectacular show is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the music that shaped generations. Experience the rise, fall, and redemption of a voice that refused to be forgotten.

And while you lose yourself in this unforgettable journey, you will also be supporting a meaningful charitable cause as this is a fundraiser by talented NHS doctors raising funds for the Diversity Fund of CW Plus charity. Through this fund a concerted effort is being made by the Women's Health arm of the Health Improvement Team at West Middlesex Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster Trust in conjunction with Public Health, Hounslow and the voluntary sector to improve women's (particularly those from minority backgrounds) access to care, reduce health inequalities and social isolation. Any support for this noble cause will be gratefully received.

Artists Profile:

‘ArchMan Music’ - the brainchild of Drs. Archana Dixit and Manish Bhardwaj - senior NHS Consultants and accomplished singers with a passionate desire to give back to the community, accompanied by other doctors and professional singers, brings to you this unique musical, with music provided by 'The 515 Crew' the UK's leading live Bollywood band led by Mr Hinal Pattani.

The event promises to be an enchanting evening with all your favourite feet tapping melodies personifying some great legends of the alluring world of Bollywood Playback singing.

Jagadhodharana by
S. Aishwarya &
S. Saundarya

Sun 11 May | 5.30 - 7.30pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)

Join us for an enchanting evening of Carnatic music with S. Aishwarya & S. Saundarya, the celebrated Divine Duet Sisters granddaughters and proud torchbearers of the legendary Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi, their music beautifully blends tradition, devotion, and artistry.

Renowned worldwide for their soulful performances and musical finesse, the sisters bring a rare depth and grace to the stage—promising a concert that resonates with classical purity and spiritual elegance.

Pankkaj Sodha presents Daal Dhokli

Thur 15 May | Dinner – 5.00pm | Show starts - 7.00pm | £25/£20/£15

For tickets contact: P.R. Patel - 07957 555 226

Comedy Gujarati play called Daal Dhokli revolves around a young couple who get married but trouble arise shortly after. The mother of the wife and father of the husband get involved in the hopes of reconciling the marriage but things go bad to worse. The parents end up encouraging the couple to separate sooner rather than later. This comedy is about how the kids would rather rebel against their parents then do what they really believe is right and has many twists and turns along the way!

For tickets contact: P.R. Patel - 07957 555 226

A soulful musical evening of Ghazal

Fri 16 May | 7.00-10.00pm | Interval between 8.20 - 8.40pm | £40/£30

The evening will start with Sudeep remembering his time with Pankaj Udhas and then moving on to sing hit songs made everlasting by Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Lata Mangeshkar, Farida Khanum, Hariharan, Ustad Rashid Khan , Mohammed Rafi , Anup Jalota and many more.

Sudeep Banerji, an eminent Indian Ghazal singer, hails from a distinguished lineage in Allahabad. Educated in Delhi, his profound affinity for Ghazals blossomed early. Recognized as a prodigy, he gained acclaim for compositions crafted in his teenage years, contributing to notable works like"With Love", "Tumhara" and "Chauser"; in film music.

Blue Feather presents Guitar Prasanna Live

Sat 17 May | MASTERCLASS (90 Mins) - 4:30 - 6:00pm | CONCERT - 7:00pm

Workshop (13:00 - 14:30) - £148.80 (inc fees + VAT)

Masterclass (16:30 - 18:00) - £106.80 (inc fees + VAT)

Concert (19:00 - 21:00) - starting at £57.60 (inc fees + VAT)

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Guitar Prasanna, the pioneering artist who seamlessly blends Carnatic music with jazz and rock. Experience his electrifying live performance, showcasing his signature style and virtuosity.

In London, don’t miss the exclusive masterclass, where Prasanna will explore the musical genius of Ilaiyaraaja & A. R. Rahman—open to all music lovers, no prior skills required.

Anantakam – A Bharatanatyam Recital by Sankari

Sun 18 May | 6.00pm - 8.00pm | £15/£10/£8

Anantakam is a solo Bharatanatyam recital by Sankari Mridha, an artistic exploration of divine bliss, where movement transforms into boundless joy. Rooted in devotion, it delves into infinite ecstasy through rhythm, expression, and surrender. Guided by Viraja and Shyamjith Kiran, this performance is a spiritual and artistic journey toward the ultimate joy.

Accompanied by live music from an exceptional ensemble:

Nattuvangam: Amritha Jayakrishnan
Vocal: Vamshikrishna Vishnudas

Mridangam: Prathap Ramachandra

Flute: Vijay Venkat

Bengal Heritage Foundation hosts Fagun Fest 2025

Sat 31 May | 3:30pm - 8:30pm | £15, £20, £25

Bengal Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with TheBhavans and Contact Base, India, proudly presents Fagun Fest 2025, an immersive cultural experience that brings the soul of Bengal to the heart of London. This annual celebration of Bengal’s artistic and musical heritage will take place on 31 May 2025, Saturday at TheBhavans, London. Additional collaborators include London Sharad Utsav and banglanatok.com, further enriching the event’s cultural diversity and reach.

The central theme of Fagun Fest is “Bringing the Soul of Bengal to the Heart of London”, encapsulating the essence of India and Bengal’s rich cultural traditions and artistic vibrancy. The festival aims to bridge communities by showcasing traditional Indian art, music, and culinary heritage to a global audience, creating a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation.

Fagun Fest 2025 will feature three distinct segments that celebrate India’s artistic and cultural diversity:

1. Artworks of India

2. Traditional Food from India

3. Music from Bengal

The festival will be hosted at TheBhavans, London, providing an immersive setting where visitors can experience Bengal’s artistic brilliance, indulge in its rich culinary traditions, and be mesmerized by the melodies of its musical heritage. The evening promises to be a cultural spectacle, fostering deeper connections between communities through the shared love for art, food, and music.

Flow of the Event

3.30 pm - Door opens for handicraft exhibition (Kantha and Warli Painting) and traditional food stalls

5.30 pm - Music performance starts

8.30 pm - Programme closes

Fagun Fest 2025 aspires to be more than just an event; it is a cultural movement that transcends borders and generations. Through this festival, Bengal Heritage Foundation and its collaborators seek to create a vibrant space where heritage meets contemporary expressions, ensuring that the timeless traditions of Bengal and India continue to inspire and enthrall audiences worldwide.

Join us in celebrating the heart and soul of Bengal in London!

Bharatanatyam by Pallavi Anand

Sat 7 June 2025 | 6.00pm | £15 (EARLYBIRD -£13*)

*Valid until 2nd May

Art and aesthetics form the warp and weft of the fabric of Pallavi’s life.

She began dancing almost right from the start - learning both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam from her mother, Smt. Shalini Shivashankar (who is the Director of the Upahaar School of Dance in London, UK). She deepened her immersion into natya under the guidance of teachers at the Bharata Kalanjali School of Natya, Chennai founded by Natyachaaryas, the Dhananjayans as well as with Smt. Bragha Bessell.

Since 2020, Pallavi has studied and performed under the mentorship and guidance of Sri Mavin Khoo. It is an artistic relationship that has refined her technique, added nuance to her understanding and continues to peel back layers of the art form.

She will be accompanied by an live ensemble:

Nattuvangam - Sri Mavin Khoo

Vocal - Sri Vamshikrishna Vishnudas

Mridangam - Sri Prathap Ramachandra

Flute - Sri Vijay Venkat

Sitar Repair Workshop by Shambhu & Punita Gupta

Sun 15 June 2025 | 10.30am to 4.30pm | £35

This is a special workshop on learning about the technical maintenance of the Sitar instrument. Anyone who would like to learn how to repair a damaged Sitar, maintain a sitar in good condition are welcome to join.

This will be a hands-on workshop at The Bhavan's M.P. Birla Art Gallery. Spaces are limited to 20 participants. Please bring your sitar to the workshop.

Shambu ji is a scientist, an engineer and an expert in Sitar maintenance. He has repaired Sitar for Pandit Ravi Shankar for 40 years.

Punita ji is a prominent Sitar player and teacher and a senior disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Father's Day Double Bill Concert: Sarangi and Flute

Sun 15 June 2025 | £25 (EARLYBIRD - £22*)

Sarangi by Harsh Naryan: 4 - 5.30pm | Flute by Pravin Godkhindi: 6.30 - 8pm

*Valid until 15 May 2025

Sarangi by Harsh Naryan | Sponsored by Dr. Radha Bhat & Family:

Harsh Narayan is a leading sarangi player of the younger generation, renowned for his mastery of Hindustani Classical Music. Born into a legendary musical lineage, he is the grandson of sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan, the son of sarod virtuoso Pandit Brij Narayan, and the nephew of Aruna Narayan Kalle.

Training under his grandfather since the age of six, Harsh has honed a deep, expressive style that reflects his rigorous musical heritage. An A-graded artist of All India Radio, he has performed and recorded with acclaimed musicians worldwide. His solo albums, Scintillating Sarangi (Times Music, 2016) and Dhanurvadya (Tala Records, 2020), showcase his virtuosity and commitment to keeping the sarangi tradition alive.

Flute by Pravin Godkhindi | Sponsored by The Kamini & Vindi Banga Family Trust:

Pravin Godkhindi is an eclectic classical flautist, performing Hindustani music on the bansuri. He studied under his father Pandit Venkatesh Godkhindi, an exponent of the Kirana gharana, as well as Carnatic mridangist Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma. He incorporates Carnatic rhythm into his playing, and in 2015 became the first to perform Indian classical music on the 8-foot-long contrabass flute.

Odissi Sandhya- An evening of enchanting Odissi performances

Sat 21 June 2025 | 6.00pm to 9.00pm | £10/£12/£15

Have you ever imagined sculptures coming to life, swaying gracefully to the mystical melodies of East India? This evening, witness that very enchantment as the dancers of Nritya Alaap bring to life the timeless beauty of Odissi. Join us for an evening of divine surrender and artistic splendor—a celebration where performers and spectators alike immerse themselves in the elegance, spirituality, and profound grace of Indian classical dance. Alongside Odissi, the stage will also welcome talented guest artistes presenting other classical dance forms, creating a vibrant tapestry of India’s rich cultural heritage.

This performance will be narrated in English and songs in Sanskrit, Oriya and Hindi.

About the artist:

Gairika Mathur, a lawyer and disciple of Guru Madhulita Mohapatra, founded Nritya Alaap in 2018 to promote the grace of Odissi dance. Dedicated to artistic excellence, Nritya Alaap has performed at prestigious venues and annually hosts Odissi Sandhya, celebrating classical dance and empowering communities through creativity and movement.

Chaitanya - The journey of the spirit

Sun 13 April | 6.00pm | £20 (£17 use code BVB2025)

"Chaitanya: The Journey of the Spirit" is a Kathak showcase by the students of Bhavan's Kathak Department, presented under the guidance of their Guru, Sri Abhinav Shankar Mishra and Smt Shreetama Mukherjee. This performance delves into the spiritual and artistic essence of Kathak, offering an experience that is both introspective and inspiring. Join us for an evening that celebrates the transformative journey of the spirit through the classical art of Kathak.

Bengali New Year Celebrations

Sat 12 Apr | 6.00pm | £14(£12 use code BVB2025) | Snacks available

Celebrate the Bengali New Year with vibrant music, dance, cultural performances, and a joyous embrace of tradition and community spirit!

Sanjoy Dev and Tripti Kona Das on Vocals

Abhinav Shankar Mishra presenting Kathak

Sandyman on Tabla

Amith Dey on Keyboard
Papia Das on Baul

Book Launch of Tat - A 21st Century Bhagavad Gita summary

Sat 12 Apr | 12.30pm - 1.30pm | Entry free, registration required

Who is God? What is God? Why is God?

A quick and easy summary of six bhakti chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. For all those who are seeking answers on Life,this is a guide replete with teachings from ancient Gurus and Sages.

Converted into a study of byte size sutras for ease ofunderstanding and attaining clarity. If Sanskrit is a struggle, this book will translate thepure intent and wisdom of the scriptures. For the modern mind raised in English medium tocomprehend the esoteric knowledge and wisdom of Vedanta.

This book is for study in our globally interconnected world of turbulent times.

Complete with illustrations, flow charts, tables, and diagrams. TAT invites you to explore the transformative potential ofthe Bhagavad Gita and its timeless relevance in the 21st century.

Book Presentation and Q&A followed by Prasad.

About the authors:

Anuradha Mahajan and Dr Sajni Vaidya bring a wealth of spiritual insight and scholarly expertise to TAT. With years of dedicated study in Vedänta and the Bhagavad Gita, they translate ancient teachings into an accessible format for modern seekers. Their passion lies in helping readers bridge the gap between Sanskrit scriptures and contemporary understanding. Through this work, they aim to make self-realization and divine wisdom available to all.

Dastan - E - Karn

Thur 10 April | 7pm | £17 (£15 use code BVB2025)

Experience the epic tale of Karna, one of Hindustan's greatest heroes, in a two-hour Dastangoi performance by Mahmood Farooqui. Drawing from the Mahabharata, Persian Razmnama and texts in Urdu, Hindi, and Sanskrit, this solo performance brings Karna's legacy to life through powerful, multilingual storytelling.

Dvanda - A dance of Halves

Sun 6 April | 6.00pm | £18/£15/£13 (£15/£12/£10 use code BVB2025)

'Dvanda - A dance of Halves' by Amritha Jayakrishnan explores devotion, desire, and the unity of Shiva and Shakti through Bharatanatyam compositions by Smt. Vidhya Subramanian with live music by an exceptional ensemble of
Vamshikrishna Vishnudas on Vocal

Pallavi Anand on Nattuvangam

Prathap Ramachandra on Mridangam

Vijay Venkat on Flute

Legacy - An evening of Tabla and Kathak

Sat 5 April | 6pm | £20/£15

Enjoy an evening of Indian classical music and dance with a tabla solo by Pt. Rajkumar Misra and Kathak by Saberi Misra, accompanied by Pt. Rajkumar Misra (tabla) and Shri Hiranmay Mitra (harmonium).

Ganga - The Journey of Time and Tradition

Fri 4 April | 6.00pm - 9.30 PM | £20/£15/£12 - Event Cancelled

Witness the epic journey of Prince Bhagiratha in a mesmerising musical theatre production. The story unfolds as he fights to free 60,000 ancestors from an ancient curse by bringing the celestial Ganga, the river of purity and life, down to Earth.

*Event Cancelled*

Practical Life - Skills workshops for all with GEETHA SRINIVASAN

Thu 3 Apr, 3 - 4.30pm: Creative Thinking

Sat 5 Apr, 10.30 - 11.30am: Emotional Intelligence

Sun 6 Apr, 10.30 - 11.30am: Enrich Yourself
Fee per workshop: £20 (£15 The Bhavan students & members)
3day combined workshop: £45

About the instructor:

Bengaluru based Geetha Srinivasan is the Dynamic founder of 'Diganta' with extensive experience in life-skills training across Karnatakas educational institutions to people of all age levels including

teenagers and adolescents.

She has been a Life skills trainer for faculty in Colleges of Bangalore University (Dept of Performing Arts), Jain University, M.S. Ramiah Degree College and S.S.M.R.V. Degree College among many others in India. She is also a freelance journalist and academic counselor.

Thu 3 April - Creative Thinking

In this practical workshop we explore Creativity - what it is and how it can be nurtured. Through various task based exercises we will gain insight into the workings of our left and right brains, and recognise how creative thinking can bring a change in our everyday life and influence the Critical thinking ability.

Sat 5 April - Emotional Intelligence

This workshop uses a methodology to explore emotions, mental blocks, self-esteem and self-awareness, which allows us to recognise and manage them. The various tasks approach provides skills to enhance our emotional intelligence.

Sun 6 April - Enrich Yourself

In this practical workshop we focus on Empowering ourselves through understanding and managing ourselves better. Aspects of the workshop include the exploration of a sense of passion, mindfulness, productivity and empathy.

SANGEET NRITYA UTSAV - THE BHAVAN'S ANNUAL MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL |
Performances and Workshops

16 March I 6pm onwards
22 & 23 March I 6pm onwards
29 & 30 March I 6pm onwards

Supported by Chellaram Foundation

A month long Classical Music Festival with the best of South Indian and North Indian Music & Dance traditions.

Sun 16 March | 6.00pm | £22/£17 (£20/£15 use code BVB2025)

Dhrupad by Pandit Uday Bhawalkar

Uday Bhawalkar, a leading Dhrupad vocalist, trained under Ustaad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and Ustaad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. Known for his soulful style and global reach, he has performed at prestigious festivals worldwide since 1985 and collaborated with legends like Ustaad Zakir Hussain. A recipient of numerous honours, Uday has also contributed to international film soundtracks and taught at renowned institutions globally. He is a Guru at ITC Sangeet Research Academy and other prestigious centres.

Sat 22 March | 6pm | £27/£22 (£25/£20 use code BVB2025)

Sitar by Smt. Punita Gupta

Smt. Punita Gupta, a senior disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar has devoted her life to create the next generation of sitar players. Her students will perform along with her. She will be accompanied by Vidwan Sri. M Balachandar on Mridangam and Hevylen Shenan on Tabla. Special guest artists like Rikhil Rai on Flute will also perform.

Sun 23 March | 6pm | £22/£17 (£20/£15 use code BVB2025)

Veena by Vidwan Doreswamy Balakrishna

Sri D. Balakrishna, son and disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. Mysore V. Doreswamy Iyengar is a distinguished Veena artist of the Mysore school. Trained in classical Karnatic music from childhood, he has performed acclaimed solo and duet concerts and is known for his purity of notes, mellifluous ragas, and rhythmic precision.

Sat 29 March | 6pm | £22/£17 (£20/£15 use code BVB2025)

Carnatic Vocal by Sri Kalyanapuram S Aravind

Kalyanpuram S. Aravind is a renowned Carnatic vocalist known for his unique raga alapanas, neravals, and bhava-rich virutham renditions.
He began his training under Smt. Sudha Seshagopalan and later with Sri S. Kasthuri Rangan and mentored by the legendary Padmabhushan Sangeetha Kalanidhi Madurai Sri T.N. Seshagopalan.

Sun 30 March | 6pm | £22/£17 (£20/£15 use code BVB2025)

Tripath: Bharatanatyam, Harikatha & Kathak by Sharat, Divya & Bharat Prabhath

Descendants of Saint-Poet Purandara Dasaru, Sharat,

Divya, and Bharat Prabhath present a unique blend of

Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Harikatha. Presenting

Punyakoti, a folktale blending Kathak and Katha,

Apaharana, exploring Sita and Rukmini's journeys, and a

Kathak recital showcasing Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas.

Remembering Sri Joginder Sanger

Thur 27 Mar | 7.00pm onwards | Registration required

We invite you to join us at The Bhavan as we pay tributes to Joginder Sanger Ji.

Joginder ji was a giant amongst Bhavan's supporters who served the Bhavan as its Vice Chair for over 25 years and Chairman for a decade.

We will be paying a tribute to this noble soul on Thursday 27 March at 7pm followed by prasad in the form of dinner.

Maatru Vandana

Fri 21 Mar | 6.00pm - 9.00pm | £15/£12 | Snacks available

Maatru Vandana celebrates the divine feminine through dance, honouring mother who is revered across cultures for her role in protection and safeguarding. Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence presents Maatru Vandana, raising cross-cultural awareness of mother goddesses, highlighting their heroic acts and the role of mothers in society-building.

The Singing Sitar

Fri 14 Mar | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | £20/£15/£10

A dedication to the iconic musician and prolific personality,

Ustad Vilayat Khan.

Join this unique evening presented by London Sitar Academy featuring some of his most dedicated devotees reflecting on his legacy and celebrating his beautiful compositions.

M.P. Birla Memorial Talk - Leadership lessons from ancient traditions of India

Thur 13 Mar | 6:30pm for for 7:00pm start | Dinner will be served
By invite only | Contact: meera@bhavan.net

Join us for a talk: Leadership lessons from ancient traditions of India by

Sri Subhanu Saxena, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan UK and Europe, holds an MBA from INSEAD and an M.A. from Oxford. A classical guitarist, Sanskrit teacher, and Urdu scholar, he speaks six languages, including Russian, French, German, Hindi, and Urdu. He is currently the council member of Imperial College. He was a global executive with experience in pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and banking, he has served as MD and Global CEO of Cipla and held senior roles at Novartis, Citigroup, and PepsiCo.

By invite only | Contact: meera@bhavan.net

The Bhavan presents
Conversations at the Kumbh Mela,
A slide presentation by Deshna Mehta (Studio Anugraha)

Sun 9 Mar | 12pm - 2pm | Entry free, registration required

Why visit the Kumbh Mela? How did it all begin? What is the Sangam? What does one learn at the Kumbh Mela? Who manages the Kumbh Mela? Being in it and being of it is a contemporary visual handbook (comprising 8 volumes), documenting experiences and conversations at the Kumbh Mela of Allahabad in 2013. A 50-minute presentation by Deshna, featuring visuals and anecdotes, will provide insights into the documentation and design of the books from a communication designer’s perspective. A Documentary film, 'Conversations at the Kumbh Mela, Allahabad 2013' will be shown after the slide presentation.

Deshna Mehta, co-founder of Studio Anugraha anchored the Kumbh Mela project documentation and design working alongside a large team of creative professionals engaged in the project. She is a communication designer with a passion for photography, writing and curation. An alumnus of Sir J.J Institute of Applied Art, London College of Communication and the Royal College of Art, she currently lives between Mumbai and London and teaches as Associate Lecturer at the University of the Arts, London alongside her engagement with the studio as a practitioner.

12noon - 1pm - Slide presentation and talk

1pm - 2pm - Documentary film

THE BHAVAN CELEBRATES SHIVARATRI

Wed 26 February | 7pm onwards | £2 (Dinner as prasad)

The Bhavan welcomes you to The Shivaratri puja celebrations. The festival is celebrated by remembering lord Shiva with Vedic Pooja, chanting, music, and dance performances by students of The Bhavan. Prasad will be served in the form of dinner.

Event sponsored by Smt. Pratibha Sharma and family.

YATRA - THE BHAVAN'S ANNUAL YOUTH FESTIVAL

Sat 22 & Sun 23 February | 4pm onwards | £18 (£16 use code BVB2025)

The Bhavan is proud to present the annual youth festival 2025. Our aim with the festival is to create an open platform for emerging Indian Classical artists across the music and dance genres from London and beyond to showcase their talents and creativity. We are delighted to host over 30 groups and more than 200 artists and do our bit in fostering the next generation of artists.

Remembering Zakir Hussain

Sun 16 Feb | 3:30 PM | Registration required

The Bhavan, UK honours and celebrates the legacy of Late Padma Vibhushan Ustaad Zakir Hussain. The memorial concert will feature heartfelt tributes by The Bhavan’s musicians and a short talk by those who had the pleasure of knowing him closely.

Bluefeather Studios presents Thamizhum Naanum

Sat 15 February | 6.00pm | £45/£40

Thamizhum Naanum is a celebrated Carnatic music experience led by Sanjay Subrahmanyan, focusing on Thamizh Kirithis. Launched

in 2018, it has captivated audiences through sold-out shows in Chennai and Bangalore and successful virtual presentations.

This homage to the Tamil language brings to light rare,timeless compositions. Accompanied by S Varadarajan on Violin and Neyveli

Venkatesh on Mridangam,Sanjay enriches the music with virtuosity. Featuring works by revered composers like the Alwars, M.M. Dandapani Desigar, and Subramania Bharathi, Thamizhum Naanum bridges tradition and modernity, celebrating Tamil heritage and fostering appreciation for its lyrical legacy.

About the artist:

Born on January 21, 1968, in Chennai, Sanjay Subrahmanyan grew up immersed in Carnatic music. Inspired by legendary strains,

his passion ignited early. Under gurus like V. Lakshminarayana and Calcutta K.S. Krishnamurthi, he mastered violin and vocals,

aying the foundation for a remarkable musical journey.

THE BHAVAN'S FOUNDER'S DAY 2025

Sat 25 & Sun 26 January | 3PM – 6PM | £15 (£13 use code BVB2025)

At the beginning of every year, The Bhavan proudly hosts annual Founders’ Day celebrations. Showcasing the talents and dedication of all our students, teachers, and staff, the weekend event is a grand celebration of Indian Classical Arts and the future torch bearers. It is a chance to applaud the students honing their skills at The Bhavan.

Veda Chanting

Starts Wed 15 January | 4.30pm | Online, every Wednesday

Immerse yourself in the sacred traditions of Veda chanting guided by Sri Subhanu Saxena. Learn the timeless hymns of the Vedas, focusing on pronunciation, rhythm, and deeper understanding. Open to all.

Participants are encouraged to make a donation to The Bhavan in support of this initiative. Donate.

Hindi Language Workshop

Sun 12 January | 12pm - 5pm | £30 | Snacks available

Join us for a fun, interactive Hindi workshop perfect for beginners! Learn practical language skills using familiar words while exploring Hindi's rich cultural heritage.

Ideal for children, young adults, and parents introducing Hindi to their kids, with a focus on conversational fluency and cultural integration.

Expect engaging sessions featuring Bollywood references and cultural icons, making learning both relatable and enjoyable!

Iyengar Yoga Workshop

Sat 11 January | Full day: 10.30am – 4pm | £45 | Half day: 10.30am – 1.30pm | £30

Join Suzanne and Elaine, experienced Iyengar Yoga teachers at The Bhavan, for a workshop exploring key aspects of the practice. Ideal for students with six months of experience, the session includes refreshments and a restorative/pranayama afternoon. Full-day or morning-only options are available.

GarbaWorkshop

Every Monday 6 Jan - 17 Feb
Beginner: 7pm - 8pm | £70
Advanced: 8pm - 9pm | £87.50

We are excited to announce our upcoming garba classes, focusing on technique and style. The sessions will be tailored for both beginner and advanced levels.

Selected participants will take part in the YATRA festival at the Bhavan on 23rd Feb 2025.

The Bhavan is the trading name of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Ltd.

Registered Charity No. 312879

Company Registration No. 1090630

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL OUR VISITORS

Parking Restrictions Notice

APRIL 2025

The Bhavan celebrates World Dance Day 2025