Virasat ONGC Dehradun 2025: Celebrating 30 Years of Art & Heritage in Dehradun

Dehradun is all set to host one of India’s most cherished cultural festivals — Virasat – Art and Heritage Festival 2025. Organized by REACH (Rural Entrepreneurship for Art and Cultural Heritage) and supported by ONGC, this 15-day celebration of heritage, music, dance, and crafts begins on 4 October 2025 at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, Kaulagarh Road.

This year marks a special milestone as Virasat completes 30 years of preserving and promoting India’s artistic traditions.

A Festival with a Message

The Virasat ONGC Dehradun is dedicated to the memory of Hiroshima’s atomic bombing victims, marking 80 years since the tragedy. The theme reflects the festival’s commitment to spreading awareness, sensitivity, and peace in a world still struggling with wars and conflicts.

Grand Opening with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

The festival will commence on 4 October with a soul-stirring Sarod recital by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, one of India’s greatest classical musicians. The inauguration will take place in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and cultural icons.

What to Expect at Virasat 2025

Virasat is much more than a cultural show — it is an immersive experience. Here’s what awaits visitors this year:

Indian classical & folk arts including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Hindustani and Carnatic music.
Regional folk arts like Chholiya dance and Chakravyuh theatre from Uttarakhand.
International performances from Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and other countries.
Ghazal, Sufi, and instrumental music concerts.

Renowned performers include Dr N Rajam, Pt Ulhas Kashalkar, Pt Sajan Mishra, Parveen Sultana, Ashwini Bhide, Anupama Bhagwat, Usha Uthup, Manoj Tiwari, Prabhakar & Diwakar Kashyap, Omkar Dadarkar, Praveen Godkhindi, Osman Mir, Anirudh Aithal, Nayanika Ghosh and many more.

A Mushaira (poetry evening) will also feature acclaimed poets like Sheen Kaaf Nizam, Farhat Ehsas, Madan Mohan Danish, Shakeel Azmi, Dr Nusrat Mehdi, and Rashmi Saba.

Crafts & Exhibitions

Speciality stalls with handloom, pottery, woodcraft, metalwork, and leather craft from across India.
Craft workshops led by master artisans.
Heritage treasure hunts, photography contests, and heritage quizzes.

‍ Youth & Community Engagement

Performances by students from schools and colleges in Dehradun.
Special cultural sessions for differently-abled students.
Talks and panel discussions on music, film, literature, and history with experts like Historian Sohail Hashmi, Artist Jatin Das, Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, Journalist Rajesh Badal, and Ex-Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.

Heritage-Inspired Stage

The Virasat ONGC Dehradun 2025 stage design is modeled after the Surya Mandir of Kehribal, Anantnag (J&K), built in the 8th century by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty — a tribute to India’s architectural brilliance.

For three decades, Virasat has served as a platform to:

Preserve dying art forms and give recognition to folk traditions.
Empower artisans by providing them visibility and economic opportunities.
Engage younger generations with cultural heritage.
Promote peace and inclusivity through art.

As Dehradun comes alive with colors, music, and traditions, Virasat 2025 promises to be a spectacular journey into India’s heritage. Whether you are a lover of classical music, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for a cultural escape, this festival has something for everyone.

So, mark your calendars and be part of this 30-year legacy of art, heritage, and peace.

for more update follow official instagram account.

Plan Your Visit

Dates: 4 – 18 October 2025
Venue: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun
Highlights: Classical music concerts, folk theatre, international performances, Mushaira, craft stalls, food court, heritage workshops.

While the Virasat ONGC Dehradun offers a delightful range of food stalls serving local flavors, if you want to explore more culinary experiences in the city, check out our guide on the Best Cafes in Dehradun for some amazing spots to relax after attending Virasat.