Kangra Fort showcases global cultural collaboration

The iconic Kangra Fort today came alive with historic celebration of art, heritage and culture and became a grand stage for a unique international art salon. Orchestrated by Sarah Singh of the Patiala royal family, this is the sixth installment of her ongoing fort-based art project that began in 2018 at Qila Mubarak, Patiala. This time, she collaborates with Maharaja Sansar Chandra Museum and the Kangra royal family to spotlight the cultural depth of the region for a global audience.

The initiative, years in the making, is a visionary blend of artistic diplomacy and cultural preservation. “I first visited the Kangra Fort in 2018 on the request of Chandresh Kumari, former Union Cultural Minister from Kangra royals. I knew instantly this was the ideal canvas for theatrical storytelling,” says Sarah Singh.

“The fort’s architecture, its breathtaking landscape and historical gravitas make it a perfect setting,” she says.

The event featured immersive theatrical installations and performances by native folk artistes and renowned international musicians, including the India premiere of Spanish act Le Parody with Frank Santiuste. Over 18 installations will transform the fort into a living museum of contemporary and traditional expression.

Aishwarya Katoch, head of the Kangra royal family, emphasises on the collaborative spirit of the event. “It’s a joint effort to celebrate and globalise the region’s artistic heritage —our native cuisine “Dham”, folk traditions, music, embroidery and more.”

Indian collaborators include Jaipur Rugs, Peter D’Ascoli, NIFT, Kangra, ‘Loulou’ Van Damme, local embroiderers, local folk musicians and dancers and the Dharamsala Tea Company. Meanwhile, international support has come from the cultural wings of the embassies and institutes of Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Austria, Greece, Argentina and more.

The festivities will continue tomorrow with a grand public concert at the Dharamsala Police Ground at 4 pm. The entry to the venue will be free for all. The two-day event promises a rare convergence of local artistry and global appreciation. The organisers opine that Kangra’s intangible heritage and living traditions deserve the world’s stage - and this weekend that vision will become a reality.

Vibrant platform for art, diplomacy

• Kangra has emerged as a global cultural hub, blending its royal heritage with international artistic diplomacy
• As the embassies and institutes of Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Austria, Greece and Argentina are participating, the region has gained worldwide exposure, transforming its historic legacy into a vibrant platform for art, diplomacy and cultural exchange