by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: Mithila Kala Manch, a unit of the International Maithili Council, organized a vibrant online cultural programme titled ‘Riturang Barahmasa’ through Google Meet, celebrating the beauty of the twelve seasons through Maithili songs, poetry and traditional performances.
Artists and litterateurs from different parts of India and Nepal participated in the event, presenting soulful renditions themed around changing seasons, love, separation, nature and Mithila culture. The programme began with a Bhagwati Vandana by Poonam Jha from Asansol and was presided over by noted litterateur and educationist Dr. Ashok Avichal from Jamshedpur.
Performers including Ashok Mishra from Banaras, Meenakshi Jha from Deoghar, Vinita Thakur from Sonipat, Pratibha Jha from Delhi, Sonu Thakur from Nepal, Himadri Mishra from Kolkata and several others captivated audiences with traditional Maithili songs reflecting seasonal moods and emotions.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ashok Avichal praised the artists and said such programmes play an important role in preserving and promoting Mithila’s cultural heritage, folk music and language. He also shared details about the upcoming 37th International Maithili Conference scheduled to be held on June 7 and 8, 2026, in Khagaria, Bihar.
The event concluded with a collective prayer and cultural message encouraging Maithili-speaking people to ensure proper representation of the Maithili language during the national census.
