The Ringling Announces A Journey Through India Festival

The Ringling is delighted to present A Journey Through India, a three-day festival exploring the many cultures of India. Created in collaboration with local community partners, the festival will celebrate the performing and visual arts, literature, flavors and thought of historical and contemporary India.

          Friday, April 26, the festival will kick off with a Bollywood dance party in the Museum of Art Courtyard. DJ Pram brings his signature high-energy style to teach dance moves while scenes from classic Bollywood films are projected around the courtyard. Enjoy local Indian fare and beverages available for purchase and a special dance performance by Bollywood choreographer Rajat “Rocky” Batta.

          Saturday, April 27, look forward to a day-long program of cultural exploration, including a series of lectures from scholars speaking on various aspects of Indian culture; music and dance performances by community groups; art-making and other activities for families; and a market featuring local food and artisan vendors.

          Saturday evening Vishwa Mohan Bhatt performs in the Historic Asolo Theater. The Hindustani classical music instrumentalist is a GRAMMY® winning artist and the creator of the Mohan Veena. He has mesmerized the world with his pristine, pure and delicate yet fiery music. A formal reception will be held preceding this world-class performance.

          Sunday, the Festival culminates with a free, celebratory morning Hatha yoga event on Ca’ d’Zan terrace taught by an Isha Foundation yogi.

          “Sarasota is a hub of the arts and culture and as locals, we are invested and interested in bringing life rejuvenating elements of the Indian diaspora, including its performing arts, colorful festivals and a chance to meet with its Maestros,” said festival committee member Ritu Anand. “As excitedly as Bollywood has influenced Hollywood, we are driven to partner with The Ringling to showcase the sights, sounds and unforgettable tastes of India on the beautiful Ringling grounds.”

          “We look forward to the opportunity that hosting A Journey Through India presents to us to deepen our connection to our local community through art and learning,” said Steven High, executive director of The Ringling. “This festival is exactly the kind of celebration and exploration of art and culture that was envisioned in the creation of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art at The Ringling.”

          Building on the excitement of the festival, The Ringling will present The Fabric of India. This exhibition of Indian textiles from the Victoria & Albert Museum, on view July 7-Oct. 13, 2019, showcases over 200 superb examples of historical dress, carefully preserved fabrics and cutting-edge fashion. Fabric of India illustrates the variety, technical sophistication and adaptability of Indian textiles from the third to the 21st century, revealing how textiles have been interwoven with religion, politics and global trade for centuries in India.