Gurugram: Havas Play, the network of Havas dedicated to creating content and experiences at the intersection of music, sports, gaming, and fandom, has announced the second edition of the highly anticipated Ganga Kinare Music Festival, hosted at the iconic Namo Ghat in Varanasi. This year’s edition, in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, promises to be a celebration of India’s cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, and will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The event, which aligns with the Namami Gange Programme, seeks to engage the public in India’s mission for a cleaner and more sustainable Ganga. As the title sponsor, Hero MotoCorp brings its commitment to sustainability and innovation into focus, showcasing a range of products such as the Mavrick 440, Karizma XMR, Xtreme 160R 4V, Xtreme 125R, Destini Prime, and Super Splendor Xtec. The brand also plays a key role in the felicitation of artists at the festival, celebrating their contributions to India’s rich musical legacy.
“Ganga Kinare is more than a festival—it is a powerful movement that unites art, culture, and sustainability,” said Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India. “Through this platform, we aim to rekindle India’s enduring bond with the Ganga, celebrating its role in our cultural identity while inspiring meaningful change. Every element of the festival is designed to turn spectators into advocates for river conservation. Together, we are creating not just memories but a legacy of reverence and responsibility that will flow through generations.”
The festival’s centerpiece is the legendary band Kailasa, led by Padmashri awardee Kailash Kher, whose soulful melodies will captivate the audience. The festival also features acclaimed singer Yashika Sikka, who will take the stage to create a blend of live performances and cultural expressions. The evening will culminate with the sacred Ganga Aarti, performed by local priests along the riverbanks, immersing the audience in spiritual reverence and emphasizing the event’s commitment to conservation and preservation.
“Hero MotoCorp celebrates the spirit of Bharat—a land of diverse traditions, vibrant culture, and shared aspirations,” said Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Business Officer, Hero MotoCorp. “Our journey has been intertwined with the lives of millions across India over the past four decades, and we continue to serve as a trusted partner in mobility as we uplift communities that we touch. We are committed to fostering meaningful connections while championing progress and the boundless potential of Bharat.”
Padmashri Kailash Kher expressed his excitement about returning for the second edition of the festival: “This December, Kashi will resonate with the divine energy of music, devotion, and the sacred essence of Maa Ganga at Namo Ghat. Through our performance, we aim to honor the eternal heritage of Bharat and reaffirm our responsibility to preserve the sanctity of this holy river. It is a blessing to be part of such a soulful cultural celebration.”
In a statement, Mohd Najeeb Ahsan, Senior Communication Manager, National Mission for Clean Ganga, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “We are delighted to yet again partner with Havas PLAY for the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, which stands for cultural progression and environmental awareness. The Namami Gange Mission, launched in 2014, is India’s flagship initiative to rejuvenate the river Ganga, which holds immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance. This integrated mission embodies a commitment to revive Ganga as a clean, free-flowing river, sustaining both the environment and the communities that rely on it.”
The Ganga Kinare Music Festival also sees participation from several key sponsors and partners, including: Powered By – Vimal Elaichi; Special Partner – Tata Motors Intra Gold Pickups/ V-Guard Industries Ltd; Spice Partner – Catch Salts & Spices; Media Partner – TV9 Bharatvarsh; Supported by Namami Gange and Kailasa Entertainment; Sustainability Partner – Bisleri; Radio Partner – Radio City; Cinema Partner – Acme Media Creations; Print Media Partner – Amar Ujala.
With its mix of culture, music, sustainability, and commitment to river conservation, Ganga Kinare 2.0 is set to make a lasting impact and inspire attendees to join the mission for a cleaner, more sustainable Ganga.
