We know that living in isolation is difficult. With uncertainty around the period of quarantining increasing every day, feelings of dissociation and loneliness can set in. On Friday, we were deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Padmashri Vidushi Shanti Hiranand who had also performed at the India Habitat Centre on several occasions. We remember the legendary singer fondly through Saleem Kidwai’s moving tribute to her.

But even as we grieve our losses, the harvest is nature’s way of reminding us that to reap the fruits of the harvest, we need to pass through the rains of testing. Today, April 13th, we celebrate the harvest festival across India with vigour and fervour through different names and forms – Baisakhi, Bihu, Vishu, Poila Boishakh and Puthandu. But no matter the language, region or ritual, the harvest marks a new year, new beginnings and new aspirations. We hope it will renew our collective spirit.

For our Poetry section this week, National Award-winning director and actress, Aparna Sen has generously shared seven videos in which she reads poems by some influential poets of the twentieth century including Jibanananda Das, T.S. Eliot and D.H. Lawrence. We will post a new poem each day this week. Aparna Sanyal’s riveting documentary, Shovana on the life and work of eminent Kathak dancer, Shovana Narayan is a must watch. Another woman artist, Seema Biswas, graces us with her powerful performance in Streer Patra, based on Rabindranath Tagore’s famous epistolary short story of the same name.

The Montreux Jazz Festival, famous for its ambitious and creative line-up of artists has opened access to 50 of its most legendary concerts of all times. Starting this week, Nicholas Hoffland will curate a weekly concert for us, and introduce it through a video lecture.

Our weekly curation of NT Live, Heritage, DIFF, A Sonnet A Day and The Shows Must Go On, continues.

Stay Well. Stay Safe. Stay Tuned