Birju Maharaj to perform at Indian classical music festival

Kathak pioneer Pandit Birju Maharaj and internationally acclaimed dancer Alarmel Valli are among other Indian artists set to perform at the historic Kennedy Center during a three-day Indian classical music festival in the US capital.
Christened "Utsav", the festival will also witness eminent Indian artists like musician Jayanthi Kumaresh, vocalist and composer Bombay Jayashri and Rahul Sharma.
"Utsav is more than a festival. It's a celebration of one of the world's oldest and most fascinating cultures. Attendees will be immersed in all things India," said Sreedhar Potarazu, one of the event's key organisers.
"India is home to one of the most diverse cultures the world has ever known, and we look forward to sharing that culture with folks from all over the country at the Kennedy Center, a venue of international recognition, later this month," Potarazu said.

The event, which ends on September 21, is co-sponsored by US India Business Council (USIBC).
"India's new prime minister, Narendra Modi, will visit DC later this month to promote stronger ties between the United States and India," said Diane Farrell, acting president of USIBC.
"Utsav can help in that mission, by exposing Americans to the richness and depth of Indian culture. We know that those who attend the festival will be awed by what they see," she added.