Reach Virasat

UPES has partnered with REACH (Rural Entrepreneurship for Art & Cultural Heritage) for the annual festival of Dehradun Virasat, a prestigious event celebrating India’s rich art, culture, and heritage. This collaboration highlights UPES's commitment to cultural preservation and inspiring youth to actively participate in safeguarding the country’s traditions.

The partnership brings together UPES’s vibrant community of over 17,000 students, faculty, and staff, aligning with the university’s mission to integrate cultural appreciation into higher education. UPES will provide its state-of-the-art facilities, including amphitheatres and the Multi Activity Centre to host year-round events promoting art, craft, culture, and environmental awareness.
 

Key Initiatives Under the Partnership
 

• 'Gateway to Himalayas' program:
  This program offers UPES students an immersive experience of the Himalayan region, emphasizing its cultural significance and addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, forest fires, and natural disasters.
  The program aligns with the objectives of the Himalayan Institute for Leadership & Learning (HILL) Centre at UPES, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s challenges.
  Participants will gain valuable insights into sustainable living and the role of the Himalayas as the cradle of Indian civilization, preparing them to become socially responsible global citizens.
   
• Virasat Festival
  The Virasat Festival in Dehradun is a vibrant celebration of India's rich art, culture, and heritage, showcasing traditional craftsmanship, music, dance, and cuisine. Over 15 days, the festival highlights the diverse cultural tapestry of India, reviving rural art forms and promoting cultural awareness.
  Virasat is scheduled from October 15 to October 29, 2024, a 15-day celebration. Over the past three decades, the festival has played a pivotal role in reviving rural art forms, bringing them to the forefront, and highlighting their influence on classical and contemporary arts.
  
  Some major highlights of Virasat 2024
  Crafts Village: Demonstrations and exhibits of traditional craftsmanship.
  Cuisine Stalls: A celebration of India’s culinary heritage.
  Art Fair: Featuring traditional and modern artistic expressions.
  Folk and Classical Performances: Showcasing regional and Bollywood-style music and dance.
  Heritage Walks: Immersive experiences exploring India’s historical landmarks.
   

Over the years, Virasat has hosted performances by legendary artists, including Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Jagjit Singh, Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Suresh Wadkar, and the Wadali Brothers, among others. Each event reflects the traditional values deeply embedded in Indian heritage.

This partnership between UPES and REACH represents a monumental step in promoting cultural awareness and artistic engagement among youth, shaping them into torchbearers of India’s timeless legacy.