Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjeet Singh Sandhu stated that India’s relationship with rivers spans thousands of years, anchoring the nation’s cities, civilizations, literature, music, art, and traditions. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the seventh Nadi Utsav in New Delhi, Sandhu emphasized that the ecological revival of the Yamuna River must function simultaneously as an environmental and a cultural mission.
The Yamuna River Revival as a Cultural and Environmental Mission
Addressing the gathering, Taranjeet Singh Sandhu outlined that restoring the Yamuna requires a combination of sustained government action, widespread public awareness, and a revitalized cultural bond with the waterway. The event, hosted by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), centers its seventh edition on the multifaceted dimensions of the Yamuna River, examining its history, culture, environment, biodiversity, living heritage, and socio-cultural footprint.
To engage the public, the festival features six dedicated exhibitions open to visitors daily from 10 am to 7 pm through the end of the month. These exhibits invite the public to explore the Yamuna across multiple contexts, including memory, cultural traditions, and environmental preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nadi Utsav?
The Nadi Utsav is a festival organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to celebrate and examine India’s historical and contemporary relationship with its rivers.

What is the primary focus of the seventh Nadi Utsav?
The seventh edition places a special focus on the Yamuna River, highlighting its history, culture, environment, biodiversity, living heritage, and socio-cultural life through exhibitions and public programs.
Where and when are the Nadi Utsav exhibitions held?
The exhibitions are held in New Delhi and remain open to visitors daily from 10 am to 7 pm until the 30th of the month.