India, March 8 -- There was a time when the great classical music and dance artists would refuse to accept any another engagement if it clashed with their imperative commitment to be in Patna around Dussehra. This was the time when Patna was the hub for discerning enthusiasts of these classical arts, and performances of classical music and dance would last for the entire night.

Alas, no longer. For the last three decades and more the once verdant artistic landscape of Patna has become more like a cultural desert. No great festival of classical music and dance takes place here, as is common in almost other state of India. Audiences, due to prolonged lack of exposure, no longer miss what they have lost. Patrons have dwindled to the point o...