Embark on an adventurous drive through India’s ancient temples and heritage sites. Discover history, revive traditions, and contribute to a greener future as you explore the timeless bond between culture and nature.
The Heritage Drive
The Heritage Drive is a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) car rally through the heartland of Karnataka, inviting participants to explore India’s rich heritage uniquely and adventurously. This rally takes drivers and navigators across ancient temples, cultural landmarks, and scenic landscapes, focusing on reconnecting with India’s cultural and natural roots. Each drive explores historical sites and contributes to environmental sustainability through tree planting and seed ball dispersal.
The Thrill of Driving and Navigating
This TSD rally is designed as a motorsport event for all skill levels, where the goal is precision and timing rather than speed. Participants must follow specific routes and checkpoints, aiming to reach each point precisely on time. With public roads used for the event, the rally promotes safe driving habits and responsible road use.
Event Highlights
Interactive Learning
Participants engage with historians, scholars, and temple architects who share insights about India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Nature and Conservation Focus
The rally emphasizes environmental responsibility through the planting of Sthala Vriksha and the dispersal of seed balls.
Community and Cultural Performances:
Evenings are dedicated to cultural performances that enrich the rally experience, with opportunities for participants to enjoy traditional Indian music, dance, and art.
What Makes Heritage Drive Special?
Exploring Heritage Temples
Participants visit heritage temples that are over 300 years old, reflecting the architectural finesse of Karnataka’s dynasties. Each temple, with its unique history and cultural significance, becomes a stop along the journey, providing opportunities to engage with India’s spiritual and architectural legacy.
Cultural Engagement
Accompanied by experts in temple architecture and history, participants gain deep insights into these sacred spaces. Evening halts include informal cultural performances, showcasing Indian music, dance, and poetry.
Environmental Stewardship
Participants contribute to “greening” the route by planting native tree saplings at temple venues. This practice revives the ancient tradition of planting Sthala Vriksha (temple trees), with indigenous species like mango, neem, and jackfruit, emphasizing the connection between our heritage and environmental responsibility.
The Tree Trail Initiative
Each rally car disperses seed balls along the route, encouraging reforestation and supporting biodiversity. At specific stops, participants also plant saplings to enhance greenery along the route. In collaboration with local environmental groups and students from BNM Institute of Technology, the drive includes a major tree planting event at a significant heritage site, symbolizing a commitment to sustaining Mother Nature.
Organisers & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Heritage Drive, including participation guidelines, rally details, and how to register. Explore everything you need to know to join this unique journey through culture and nature.
A TSD rally focuses on precision and timing, not speed. Teams follow a designated course with specific speed targets, aiming to arrive at checkpoints at precise times. The rally promotes safe driving practices, combining the excitement of motorsport with responsible road use.
Anyone with a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and a passion for adventure is welcome to join. Each team should consist of a driver, a navigator, and may include a team correspondent. Participants must be over 18 years of age, in good health, and possess a valid FMSCI 4W Club Sport Rally license. (License details and forms are available at http://licence.fmsci.co.in/).
Participants are responsible for their own costs, including food, accommodation, and entry fees where applicable. Detailed cost breakdowns will be shared closer to the event date.
Join us in celebrating India’s cultural and natural heritage. Your contribution helps preserve our traditions and protect the environment for future generations.
Srishti Sambhrama Festival celebrates our connection with nature, inspiring environmental awareness and action for a sustainable future.
Srishti Sambhrama: The Earth Mother Festival
Srishti Sambhrama, the Earth Mother Festival, is an annual flagship event in collaboration with BNM Institute of Technology. Dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating India’s rich natural heritage, this festival emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature and understanding the impact of environmental imbalances on humanity.
Festival Highlights
Each year, Srishti Sambhrama focuses on a unique theme that brings attention to pressing environmental issues. The festival highlights the interconnectedness of nature and culture with topics such as sacred flowers, trees, mountains, and animals. Through expert discussions, interactive workshops, and captivating performances, the event explores solutions to environmental challenges and celebrates the efforts of individuals and communities working to protect our ecosystems.
Traditional Wisdom and Modern Relevance
At the heart of Srishti Sambhrama is the wisdom of traditional knowledge systems. The festival underscores the relevance of ancient practices and beliefs in preserving our natural heritage, showing how these age-old insights are crucial in today’s environmental efforts. By merging modern solutions with traditional wisdom, Srishti Sambhrama offers a balanced perspective on ecological conservation.
Objectives & Goals
Promote Environmental Awareness
Educate the public on the beauty and diversity of India’s natural heritage and the need to protect it.
Engage the Youth
Inspire young people to document, innovate, and take action to safeguard the environment.
Foster Responsibility
Encourage individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits and take personal responsibility in preserving nature through everyday actions.
Srishti Sambhrama is more than a festival; it’s a call to action. By celebrating nature and engaging with environmental issues, the Earth Mother Festival inspires communities to respect and protect the world around us. Be part of this transformative experience and contribute to a sustainable future for all.
An annual festival that celebrates the role of temples in our society, bringing together artists, scholars, and communities to revive the spirit of India’s cultural and natural heritage.
The Role of Temples in Our Society
Temples, known as Devasthanam and Dharmasthala, have historically been at the heart of our communities, influencing not only spiritual life but also the environment, economy, education, health, and culture. Gudiya Sambhrama is a step toward rejuvenating this ecosystem, highlighting the profound impact temples have on our society.
Festival Highlights
Performances
Experience vibrant Hari Katha, classical dance, soulful music, theater, and puppetry that bring ancient legends to life.
Knowledge Sharing
Engage with renowned scholars who share insights on traditional wisdom and its relevance today.
Community and Well-being
Connect with others through performances and discussions that promote cultural well-being.
The Need for Cultural Renewal
While economic development and globalization have brought new opportunities, they have also led to a decline in traditional arts, cultural roots, and environmental balance. Gudiya Sambhrama was established to honor and preserve our heritage in response to these challenges.
“To lose our heritage is to lose a part of ourselves. Preserving culture connects us to our history and roots.”
Themes That Bridge Culture and Nature
Each year, Gudiya Sambhrama embraces a new theme centered around Mother Nature, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life. With themes like sacred trees, rivers, and natural elements, the festival’s message, ‘Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah’ (Those who protect Dharma are protected by it), is brought to life.
Sacred Spaces and Community Impact
Temples, as sacred heritage spaces, embody the inclusive ethos of Indian culture, recognizing divinity in all forms of creation. By hosting Gudiya Sambhrama in these spaces, we create a deeper understanding of heritage and spirituality, celebrating the diversity of paths to the divine.
Performing Arts: Connecting Community with Culture
Through traditional arts like dance, music, and storytelling, Gudiya Sambhrama connects people with their cultural roots. Performing arts have a unique ability to inspire and foster unity, allowing attendees to experience the peace and joy embedded in these ancient practices.
Art and Nature in Harmony
Gudiya Sambhrama integrates environmental awareness with culture. Trees and plants are decorated with vibrant, informative displays, highlighting their sacred roles in our ecosystem. These displays encourage visitors to respect and protect nature as part of our shared heritage.
Objectives & Goals
Revive Traditional Arts
Bring traditional performing arts back to temple precincts.
Disseminate Knowledge
Share teachings from Vedic texts and epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita.
Promote Accessibility
Make sacred art forms accessible to the general public, bridging cultural gaps.
Cultural Symbolism
Educate the public on the significance of cultural symbols and practices.
Annual Themes on Nature
Each year, focus on a theme related to Mother Nature to inspire respect for our environment.
Expand Across the State
Organize more temple festivals across the state to spread cultural awareness.
Promote Environmental Awareness
Foster an understanding of the relationship between humanity and the environment through well-curated themes.
Be part of the journey to preserve India’s cultural and natural heritage. Whether as a participant, volunteer, or supporter, your involvement makes a difference.
Preserving Tradition, Celebrating Culture, and Inspiring Community
About Heritage
Heritage is a registered non-profit trust that has been committed since 1994 to promoting, preserving, and sharing India’s rich heritage and culture through seminars, workshops, and cultural festivals.
In recent decades, increased global mobility, access to information, and globalization have brought many benefits but also challenges, including the erosion of cultural identity, traditional arts, ecology, and language. This has contributed to a decline in holistic cultural values that once integrated environmental consciousness with everyday life.
At Heritage, we take an innovative and comprehensive approach to reviving these values by blending time-tested wisdom with modern practices to enhance contemporary life. Our activities are led by esteemed scholars, artists, academics, naturalists, and other experts. Tailored to resonate with different audiences, our programs are youth-friendly and designed to reach people from all walks of life.
Objectives & Goals
Raise awareness of how heritage remains relevant and connected to a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature.
Foster and support indigenous and traditional art forms.
Transform sacred heritage spaces into vibrant centers of learning and cultural exchange.
Support and promote traditional artists.
Increase understanding and appreciation of traditional arts within contemporary society.
Document and preserve traditional knowledge and learning systems for practical application today.
Create forums for discussions and debates on issues of human interest.
Vision
To inspire society to nurture heritage, culture, and the environment at both individual and collective levels, recognising the divinity in all creation.
Activities Over the Years
Summer Workshops for Children
Focused on history, culture, art, environmental awareness, and civic responsibility.
Parampara Workshops
Workshops for classical dancers and musicians with renowned resource persons from across India.
Fundraisers for National Calamities
Mobilising support for relief efforts during crises.
Forum YUKTI
A platform that bridges traditional wisdom and contemporary perspectives through talks and workshops.
Our Guiding Light
Our president, Shri K. Vijayakumar, was the inspiration and unwavering support behind our mission. His vision and dedication continue to guide us as we strive to preserve and celebrate India’s rich heritage.
Trustee of Heritage & Distinguished Professor - Social Sciences, FLAME University
PhD in Economics & Sociology from Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France; M.A in Political Science from Savitribai Phule Pune University; B.A in Political Science from Savitribai Phule Pune University; D.H.E.S.S in Economics from Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France; D.E.A in Sociology, University of Vincennes, Paris, France.His areas of interest include Business and Society, Economic Reforms in Transition Economies (India and China), Spirituality and Self Development and Leadership Development, Outsourcing and Creativity and Innovation.
Sri. H V Gowthama
Trustee of Heritage, a Senior Chartered Accountant and philanthropist
Prakash Belawadi
Indian theatre artist, film director, television and media personality, also a teacher, activist and a journalist
Dr Shankar Rajaraman
Associate Prof, Jain University, an 'ashtavadhani,' psychiatrist, poet, and Sanskrit scholar. He is a master of a complex poetic form in Sanskrit known as 'chitrakavya.
Sri Shriram Vijayakumar
Trustee of Heritage, Head of Business Operation-Novartis International, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon with a double degree in Information Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics, successful entrepreneur, with deep concern for the health of society, a sports enthusiast, loves nature, supports cultural activities.
Dr Rupa Vasudevan
Educationist, Social entrepreneur, Angel investor,Co-Founder and Chancellor of Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BESTIU), an Andhra Pradesh State Private University.
Sri Hari Kiran Vadlamani_1
Chartered Accountant by qualification, deeply passionate about Art, Philosophy and Indian Cultural Heritage. Founded INDICA (www.indica.in) and NICE (www.niceorg.in), both not for profits in the area of Cultural Education and Entrepreneurship
Dr Padma Subrahmanyam
Dancer, Research scholar, choreographer, teacher, Indologist & author. She received Padma Vibhushan in 2024, Padma Bhushan in 2003 and Padma Shri in 1981. During her dancing career, she has received more than 100 awards, including; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1983) & Kalaimamani award.
Working Committee
Smt. Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar
Founder trustee and the secretary of the Heritage. Presently the Managing Director of Vigirom Private Ltd, Director Center for Soft Power (INDICA) free-lance designer, author, past member of the national philately board, Federation of Motor Sports Club of India and Central Board of Film Certification
Smt. Supriya Komandur
Trustee and the joint secretary of Heritage. A master’s in english, a Bharatanatyam dancer and much loved teacher. The artistic director of Amruthavarshini, the academy for arts.
Smt. Rekha Raghavan
Coordinator for Heritage. She is a Bharatanatyam exponent and founder of CITA – Center for Indian Traditional arts in East Africa. As an anchor of programs in impeccable Kannada she is much sought after. An enthusiastic artist of Mysore Traditional Art.
Smt Aparna M Sridhar
A journalist covering art, culture and community. A passion to learn about our Sastra’s and all the nuances of the Devi. She is currently Chief Editor Conversations at
INDICA
Smt Varsha Venkatraman
A writer and quality expert at a healthcare firm. Outside of work, she enjoys a light movie or two, or trying her hand at a new recipe and exploring old temples and heritage sites. She has been a part of Heritage and its many activities since 2020.
Smt Arunima Gupta
A young scholar of India's soft power and cultural economy. She writes on India's crafts, cuisine and public diplomacy for national and international digital platforms. She tweets at @ArunimaGupta03
Kumari Priyanka Kumar
A writer, independent journalist, and social-media and marketing professional based in Bengaluru, India. She writes about the representation and resurgence of Indic culture in the context of an emerging multi-polar world.
Sri Chethan Krishna
Chethan Krishna is a young artist pursuing his final year of bachelor's degree in Visual arts at Chitrakala Parishath. He is inclined towards realistic art forms which reflects on our culture, traditions and spirituality.
Kumari Harshitha Narendra
Clinical psychologist. puppeteer, passionate student of Indian fine arts and literature
Sri Rakshith Raghav
Finance Manager in Vigirom Pvt Ltd . Committee member in couple of charitable trusts loves to serve art and cultural activities, does voluntary accounting work for Heritage Trust
Rakesh Bangera
Graphic Designer, loves to serve the community, art, heritage, and culture
N Yethin
Studied law but chose to take forward his parampara of metal craft, an award winning sculptor of bronze murtis with deep respect for Sanathana Dharma
G S sudhindra
An artist and visual art teacher, he holds a Masters degree in visual arts and runs a studio, Kalarnava. He lives and breathes art, his strength is manifesting the images of gods and goddesses on canvas. His creative style of art has won him many admirers and inspires his students to develop an interest in our culture and traditions
Join Us in Preserving Tradition
Your support helps us protect and celebrate India's rich heritage. Every contribution makes a difference in keeping our traditions thriving.
Experience the richness of India’s temple culture and traditions with Gudiya Sambhrama. This month-long festival brings together artists, performers, and scholars in sacred spaces to revive and celebrate the cultural heritage of our temples through music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts.
Celebrate the beauty and wisdom of nature with Srishti Sambhrama. This annual event focuses on environmental awareness, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary solutions to protect our planet. Through workshops, performances, and expert discussions, we aim to reconnect humanity with Mother Earth.
Join The Heritage Drive, a unique car rally that takes participants on a journey through India’s most ancient heritage sites. This event combines adventure with cultural exploration, offering an immersive experience of sacred spaces while promoting environmental conservation through tree plantation and eco-friendly initiatives.
Heritage Parampara is dedicated to preserving India’s cultural and natural heritage through festivals, workshops, and educational programs. Our mission is to connect communities with ancient traditions and wisdom that enrich our lives today.
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As the year draws to a close, I find myself shifting from the question 'Who am I?' to 'Why am I here?' The Yogavāsiṣṭha…
Testimonials
Amazing sound system! Beautiful lights! A very amazing natural setting. One of the best things that have happened to us in recent times. The venues that have been chosen are just so priceworthy. Any amount of words is going to fall shortShri B Vijaygopal, Carnatic Flautist
One of the best ventures that is happening in the country to promote or inform youngsters about our culture. As artists, it is a great experience to perform in this kind of a divine settingTrichur Brothers, Carnatic Vocalists
I have been performing in Gudiya Sambhrama almost from the time it began. It is important that our tradition is kept intact, and in this regard, the office bearers of Gudiya Sambhrama are doing a great job, giving opportunities to young and upcoming artistsShri Anoor R Ananthakrishna Sharma, Mridangist
A great way to connect our architectural heritage with dance and music. It is great to see a large number of people coming to the festival. Classical dancers were initially housed in temples and it is a great feeling to perform in this festivalMs Bijayini Satpathy, Odissi Dancer
