| Location(s) | Educational institutions across India |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1995 - Present |
| Founded by | SPIC MACAY |
Virasat is a cultural festival comprising all aspects of Indian cultural heritage, and is held at various educational institutions across India. Organised by SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth) which was established in 1977, the week-long festival includes performances and workshops in Indian folk and classical arts, literature, crafts, talks, theatre, cinema and yoga.[1][2]
Virasat, literally meaning Heritage in Hindi, was launched for the first time in Dehradun in 1995,[3] here in all the classical music and dance maestros, and master craftsmen are invited to perform at the festival, to enhance student interaction between with artistes and craftsmen, and during the first half of the academic year. PARAMPARA is like a mini-version VIRASAT, and includes 2-5 of the modules of Virasat.[4][5]
Virasat 2008, began on September 2, 2008 with concerts in Delhi and 300 towns all over the country. and continued till December 2008. It was inaugurated by former Prime Minister I.K. Gujral and Dr. Karan Singh on September 2 with recitals by Girija Devi and Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Vice-Regal Lodge, Delhi University. Artistes like, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, T.N. Seshagopalan, Alarmel Valli, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Shovana Narayan, Pt. Rajan and Sajan Misra, Teejan Bai also participated in the series.[6]