GARHWA: Pandit Harsh Dwivedi Kala Manch, Nawada successfully hosted the first-ever Shankhnad (conch‑blowing) competition at Bandhan Marriage Hall, Nawada Mor. The cultural event opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony before the idol of Lord Nataraja, marking an auspicious start in the presence of invited guests and community members.
Introducing the theme, Neeraj Sridhar ‘Swargiya’, Director of Pandit Harsh Dwivedi Kala Manch, said the purpose of organising the competition was to familiarise youth and adolescents with India’s rich cultural heritage and inspire them to participate in living traditions.
Speaking on the spiritual dimension, Jyotishacharya Pandit Sanjay Pandey shared that the conch (shankha) is rooted in the idea of universal welfare, and that listening to its resonant sound is traditionally believed to dispel negativity. Karmkandi Acharya Akhilesh Kumar Pandey added that Shankhnad is a collective, inclusive practice open to all who carry the wish for the well-being of creation.
Bringing a healthcare perspective, Dr. T. Piyush—Medical Officer, Sadar Hospital, Garhwa, and Director, Sushrut Seva Sansthan, Garhwa—emphasised that Shankhnad is not only spiritual but also significant from a scientific standpoint, citing its role in encouraging community morale and ritual discipline, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. He underlined that Shankhnad remains an integral part of Indian culture.
Community voices also resonated through the programme. Shravan Kumar Shukla expressed gratitude to the Kala Manch for such a useful and innovative initiative, suggesting that daily Shankhnad in households nurtures positivity and cultural continuity. Arun Kumar Dubey, President of Manas Mandali, Garhwa, said such events strengthen people’s attachment to their heritage and should be held periodically across regions. Vijay Kumar Soni, Patron of Sanskar Bharati, Garhwa District Unit, called participation in these programmes a matter of good fortune, noting that they also offer valuable learning experiences.
The jury panel of Jyotishacharya Pandit Sanjay Pandey, Arun Kumar Dubey, President, Manas Mandali, Garhwa and Shravan Kumar Shukla, Guide/Mentor, Sanskar Bharati awarded Shashank Shekhar Tiwari, Siddhant Kamalapuri and Sujal Kumar as first, second and third prize respectively.
Alongside the panel, Santosh Pandey, Rakesh Tiwari, Chandra Prakash Mishra and others shared their thoughts. The organisers acknowledged the key contributions of Kaustubh, Lalan Soni, Amod Kumar Sinha, Pawan Kumar Patel, Bhaskar Pandey, Abhay Kumar Pandey, Shubham Kumar Chaube, Abhishek Bhardwaj, Anmol Kumar, Santosh Kumar Pandey, Dharmendra Kumar, Kumar Sudhakar Dwivedi, Geetanjali, Jasmin, among many volunteers whose efforts ensured the smooth, successful conduct of the event.