NANDED

Bharud is a dramatic performance art and poetic form that holds a central place in festivals and fairs in Nanded. It combines elements of music, drama, and elocution, often conveying spiritual themes. The development and popularization of this art form, notably, is closely tied to Sant Eknath and the Bhakti movement.

A Bharud typically features a lead performer known as the Veenekari, who is accompanied by a mridang player, a harmonium player, and a group of 15 to 20 taalkari (supporting dancers). The performance is, in many ways, dynamic, integrating rhythmic movements, call-and-response singing, and expressive narration that all in all engage the audience.

Dindi is a folk dance traditionally performed on Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight) in the month of Karthik (October–November). Closely associated with religious devotion, it features songs that often depict the playful childhood acts of Krishna. The dance is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic movements, making it engaging for both children and adults.

Vaman Pandit was a scholar and poet known for his extensive and diverse body of work. His narrative poems were widely popular among both the general public and Kirtankars. Many scholars regard his most significant contribution as providing a philosophical foundation for Bhakti (devotion). His poetry is characterized by dramatic elements, allegory, and intricate wordplay, along with a structured and refined style.

Raghunath Sesa (also known as Raghunath Pandit) was a 17th-century Marathi poet who belonged to a family of scholars and literary figures. Born into a Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin family, he was part of the rich intellectual tradition of Marathi letters during the early modern period. Raghunath Sesa represented a significant phase in Marathi literary development, known as Pant-Sahitya, a genre in which religious and mythological narratives were conveyed through highly Sanskritized language and sophisticated poetic meters.​

His most notable work is Nal-Damayanti Swayamwar Akhyan, a narrative poem based on the classical love story from the Sanskrit epics, which exemplifies the Pant-Sahitya tradition. This literary form, though challenging for contemporary audiences due to its Sanskrit-influenced vocabulary and dense poetic structure, was highly regarded among educated circles of his time. Raghunath Sesa was among the major practitioners of Pant-Sahitya, alongside contemporaries such as Vaman Pandit, Shridhar Pandit, and the later poet Moropant.

Hottal is a small village in Nanded, known for its rich historical heritage. The village was once a Chalukyan territory and features many structures dating back from that period including an ancient Siddheshwar Mandir.

To honor this history, the Hottal Festival is organized to raise awareness of this legacy, celebrating the village’s history and traditions. During the festival, visitors learn about the ancient 11th century Kalash-Chalukyan Mandirs, which the Archaeological Department and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums are currently actively restoring. The festival, in many ways, provides an opportunity for both visitors and locals to learn about the history and architectural legacy of this village.

The Indian School of Design (INSD) in Nanded is an educational institution focused on creative disciplines such as fashion, interior design, graphic design, and jewelry design. The institution integrates theoretical learning with practical training, preparing students for careers in the design industry.