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Kussum Mahotsav, TSA, is set to be the largest classical Indian music and dance festival in the USA. Kussum Mahotsav 2018 is a seven-days festival featuring around 80 musicians and dancers, both visiting and local artists. The ambitious program aims to present a collection of 60 concerts, 15 student concerts, as well as time for networking, conversations, connections and hospitality. It is the largest classical Indian music and dance festival in the USA and certainly puts TSA on the international cultural map.
This unique celebration of Indian music and dance is conceived, organised and realised by Achyut Tope, a supporter of emerging artists, an agent of change, a thought leader and a dedicated community leader.
Achyut Tope has certainly lit a burning incense for the classical arts vibe. He has been a dedicated arts advocate over the years, attending events and guiding students. The festival will highlight the significance of traditional arts for presenters and attendees alike. The authenticity of this festival reflects the very essence of this sacred offering.
We asked Achyut Tope what motivated him to produce Kussum Mahotsav:
“Over 30 years of living in Long Island and Connecticut, I observed that while there are hundreds of thousands of affluent Indians who claim to admire the arts and call North America home, I do not see collective effort for major festivals which provide a platform for these amazing artists. There are very few events which transcend limited interests and celebrate the talents and hard work of home artists.
There are literally hundreds of great North and South Indian musicians and dancers in TSA, but I noticed that their talent, commitment, dedication, and hard work is not properly valued. Some of them are just as good as, or even better than some artists from India who tour the USA and Canada. It is time to bring them all together; show them our affection.’’
Kussum Mahotsav strives to answer the call for a non-partial, non-political and non-religious platform for artistic expression. It is a festival that measures the merit of the practice rather than any particular following or group. Clearly, the award for all artists in this festival, is the regard and attention of learned, interested and committed audience members. Achyut Tope expressed this hope“that more international and home classical arts students will aspire to perform next year, and so will their teachers.”
Along with artists such as Anindo Chatterjee, Sanhita Nandi, Krishna Bhatt and Samar Saha, some of the most exceptional musicians and dancers from the Tri-State area (NJ, NY, CT), USA, Canada and India will also take the stage.
KUSSUM MAHOTSAV: 7th – 9th September and 13th – 16th September 2018. Sri Venkateswara Temple (Bridgewater Temple), 1 Balaji Temple Dr., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Contact Achyut Tope (631) 645 1438. kussummahotsav@gmail.com. www.kussummahotsav.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kussummahotsav
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Festival profile by The Heritage Arts Initiative