Ministry of Culture organised a two-day National Level Competition (Grand Finale) of the Vande Bharatam Nritya Utsav 2023 on 19th and 20th December. 980 dancers participated in the National Level Competition (Grand Finale) and 500 dancers are selected to perform a grand cultural show during the Republic Day 2023 on the theme of 'Nari Shakti'.
The dancers from different states performed classical and folk dances in an enthusiastic manner. The dancers also performed dances from other states highlighting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
The Grand Finale also featured a special function in the evening of 20th Dec., 2022 which was graced by the august presence of Speaker, Lok Sabha Shri OM Birla; Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and North Eastern Region Shri G.K Reddy; Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal; Minister of state for Culture and External Affairs Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi and Minister of state for Defence Shri Ajay Bhatt.
On the occasion Shri Om Birla said that the dance performances today reflect not only the immense diversity of Indian culture but also its vibrant colours and richness. He also added that Vande Bharatam sends a strong message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Unity in Diversity to the world. Shri Om Birla also said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is a celebration of India's rich heritage and its democratic framework.
Union Minister of State for Culture Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi congratulated the performing artistes from all parts of the country on the last day of Grand Finale Vande Bharatam Dance Festival and said that this festival has been successful in taking forward our Indian culture. She also said to the artists have kept the art and culture of India alive with their passion.
On the occasion Minister of state for Defence Shri Ajay Bhatt said that it is a matter of pride for the country that for the first time we have secured the presidency of G20 and rejuvenation is taking place in all areas. Vande Bharatam is an excellent example of rejuvenation of India’s diverse culture.
Vande Bharatam Nritya Utsav 2023 is the dance competition event organised by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence, under the aegis of Republic Day Celebration 2023. The competition was held in 3 stages i.e. State-UT level, Zone level and National Level.
Entries were sought from 15th Oct. to 10th November 2022 from the participants in the age group of 17-30 years in the genres of Folk/Tribal, Classical and Contemporary/Fusion. State-UT level and Zonal level competitions have been conducted from 17th Nov. to 10th Dec. 2022 by the seven Zonal Cultural Centres of the Ministry of Culture.
500 dancers chosen from the finalists would perform a grand cultural show during the Republic Day 2023 on the theme of 'Nari Shakti'. For this purpose, a creative team of renowned choreographers, composers, writers and creative designers have been engaged to conceptualise a seamless cultural show.