Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir
By Neearj Kumar
Patna: Bihar’s capital is set to reclaim a vital part of its lost cultural identity, as the historic open-air stage of the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir will reopen to audiences and artistes on January 23 after remaining closed for nearly 10 years. The re-inauguration is being seen as a significant moment not only for Patna but for Bihar’s entire cultural ecosystem.
Reopening Scheduled for January 23
Kahkashan, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture and in-charge of the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, said renovation work on the open-air stage began during the Covid-19 period. The construction of a metro station nearby later caused considerable disruption. However, the civil work of the open-air stage is now almost complete.
“The department is preparing to reopen the stage on January 23. Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir has long been a symbol of Patna’s cultural identity, and since January 23 coincides with Saraswati Puja, it has been chosen as an auspicious day for the re-inauguration. Final approval, however, is still awaited,” she said.
Folk Performances Planned for Inauguration
Kahkashan said the Art and Culture Minister has been informed about the event and official letters have been sent to all concerned authorities. A two-hour inauguration programme has been planned for January 23, with efforts being made to include two folk performances by artistes of the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir.
Artists from Assam have also been contacted for a Magh Bihu performance. In addition, the programme will feature solo dance and solo singing performances.
Seating Capacity for 5,000 Spectators
The open-air stage will have seating capacity for around 5,000 spectators. “Earlier too, the seating arrangement was of a similar scale, but the venue has now been significantly beautified,” Kahkashan said.
Once considered the biggest hub of cultural activities in Patna, the reopening of the stage is expected to revive regular cultural programmes, poetry recitals, mushairas, dance-dramas and music concerts. Art lovers are likely to benefit immensely from its revival.
A Platform That Shaped Many Artists
Popular Bihar poet Chandan Dwivedi said Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir has been a living symbol of the state’s art, literature and cultural heritage. “It once hosted unforgettable evenings of poetry, ghazals, dance and music, whose echoes still resonate in the hearts of art lovers,” he said.
Legendary poets such as Ahmed Faraz, Gopaldas Neeraj and Rahat Indori have graced the stage, lending it historic significance. “This was not just a performance venue, but a platform that shaped the identity of countless artists,” Dwivedi added.
New Life for the City’s Cultural Identity
Dwivedi said the revival of such a large, naturally designed stage after nearly a decade would give a new direction to Bihar’s cultural ecosystem. “It will not only provide opportunities to local artists but can also host national-level events, once again positioning Patna as a centre of art and literature,” he said.
He also noted that the reopening would bring renewed attention to the artistic legacy of renowned craftsman Upendra Maharathi, whose creative vision transformed the site into a cultural heritage rather than merely a building.
Foundation Laid in 1950, Open-Air Stage Built in 1963
Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir was established in 1950 by noted art practitioner Dhumal Raghu Upadhyay. The open-air stage was later constructed in 1963, earning the venue a place among the select cultural landmarks of North India.
The design and aesthetics of the stage clearly reflect the creative vision of Bihar’s legendary artisan Upendra Maharathi. Surrounded by dense trees, open skies and a natural setting, the venue holds a unique charm. When the weather is pleasant and greenery is at its peak, the space resembles a cultural dreamscape.
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