IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL OUR VISITORS
APRIL 2025
Practical Life - Skills workshops for all with GEETHA SRINIVASAN
Thu 3 Apr, 6 - 8.30pm: Creative Thinking
Sat 5 Apr, 12.30 - 3 pm: Emotional Intelligence
Sun 6 Apr, 12.30 - 3 pm: Enrich Yourself
Fee per workshop: £20 (£15 The Bhavan students & members)
3day combined workshop: £45
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.
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*
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).
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
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.
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:
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.
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
Papia Das on Baul
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.
The Bhavan celebrates World Dance Day 2025
Sat 26 April | 5.00pm |
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.
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
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
MAY 2025
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.
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.
Pt 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 Pt 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.
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
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
Vocal: Vamshikrishna Vishnudas
Mridangam: Prathap Ramachandra
Flute: Vijay Venkat
JUNE 2025
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.
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.
PAST EVENTS
SANGEET NRITYA UTSAV - THE BHAVAN'S ANNUAL MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL |
Performances and Workshops
Performances and Workshops
16 March I 6pm onwards
22 & 23 March I 6pm onwards
29 & 30 March I 6pm onwards
Supported by Chellaram Foundation
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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