The show takes people on a journey through India with storytelling, dance and song

An engrossing evening of Indian culture – from classical dance and mythological stories to rhythmic chants – brought people together in unity.

Held at the Victoria Hall in Keighley, the Bradford Hindu Council Harmony Festival transported audiences through different time periods and traditions.

The event, co-hosted by ToNE:Tamils ​​of Northern England, featured an amazing array of acts from various Indian states.

It gave the crowds a glimpse into the artistic expressions of each region.

Drums at the festival (Image: Bradford Hindu Council)

The show ventured south to Tamil Nadu, India’s tenth largest state.

Performers showcased Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form known for its intricate footwork and storytelling elements, and Parai, a drumming tradition with roots dating back centuries.

The Kummi dance, traditionally performed by women to celebrate good harvests, brought an explosion of color and movement to the stage.

Beautiful traditional outfits were worn (Image: Bradford Hindu Council)

Karagatam, another vibrant folk dance, featured dancers balancing a pot full of water on their heads – symbolizing strength and skill.

There was also a chance to witness Silambu and Kalari, believed to be an ancient martial art form, and Oyillatam, a joyous harvest dance.

The event brought people together (Image: Bradford Hindu Council)

Deepak Sharma, Trustee of the Bradford Hindu Council, said: “It was amazing to see so many different Indian Hindu cultures on one stage. I felt like I was on a whirlwind tour across the country.

“It was a real explosion of colors, music and stories.

“We saw families with young children, groups of friends and even a couple dressed in beautiful traditional Indian clothes.

“It seemed like everyone was there to experience something new. The hosts did a great job explaining the dances.

“Sharing heritage through things like dance, music and storytelling is powerful because it allows you to connect with a culture on a deeper level.

“You don’t just learn about it in a textbook, you feel it.”

Performers on stage (Image: Bradford Hindu Council)

Traveling north to Odisha, the performers unveiled a graceful classical dance form known as Odissi, believed to have originated in temples.

From the northeast, there was the Bihu folk dance of Assam – a celebration of spring with a history dating back centuries – and the melodious songs of Bhupen Hazarika, sung in both Hindi and Assamese.

Heading west, the program showcased the power and beauty of the Punjabi Gidha, a folk dance traditionally performed by women to celebrate harvest and community.

The children had the opportunity to celebrate their Indian heritage (Image: Bradford Hindu Council)

From the southwestern state of Kerala, a captivating display of semi-classical Kerala dance showcased the region’s unique blend of grace and storytelling, often illustrating mythological stories.

The cultural journey continued with Karnataka, the rhythmic chanting of Vachanas – traditional poems filled with spiritual wisdom.

Other events included Telugu poems, an Ugadi song and folk dance performance inspired by the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Bengali segment began with a compilation of Tagore’s English poetry interspersed with song and dance.

This was followed by a rendition of the songs of Nazrul, a revolutionary Bengali poet who often wrote about freedom and social justice.