On 28th September, 2025, at the auspicious time of the festive season, the monthly stage art symposium organized under the aegis of Sanskar Bharati transformed the Kala Sankul premises in New Delhi into a vibrant cultural celebration. The theme “Navaras and Navadurga: Harmony of Emotion, Devotion and Art” brought together diverse performances and reflections that illuminated the depth and spiritual essence of Indian culture.

The evening commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, whose presence added grace and solemnity to the occasion. The aura was filled with devotion and beauty, as though the blessings of Goddess Durga herself sanctified the gathering.

The first performance came from Sh. Abdul Khalid, whose Kuchipudi presentation vividly portrayed the essence of the nine sentiments (navaras). Following this, Ms. Muskan Nagpal enthralled the audience with her Kathak recital, embodying the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga. Her mastery of rhythm, expression, and movement captivated the audience, drawing prolonged applause that resonated throughout the auditorium.

In her keynote address, chief guest and veteran Kathak danseuse Padma Shri Shovana Narayan remarked:
“Art is not merely a medium of expression; it is a bridge that unites emotion, devotion, and social consciousness. The union of Navaras and Navadurga is a living testimony to the vastness and profundity of Indian culture.”

Her words inspired the gathering to reflect deeply on the spiritual and cultural dimensions of art.

Art connoisseurs, students, and intellectuals in attendance experienced a rare blend of Indian classical dance and the spiritual power of culture. The performances were met with appreciation and admiration, leaving an indelible impression on all.

The Kala Sankul family of Sanskar Bharati expressed gratitude to the participants and guests, affirming that such events would continue to be organized regularly, preserving and promoting the invaluable heritage of Indian art and culture.

The event was successfully coordinated by Sneha Mukherjee, with stage comparing by Garima Rani and a gracious vote of thanks by Shruti Sinha. Valuable contributions were also made by Raj Upadhyay, Senior Announcer Bharti Dang, tabla maestro Pradeep Pathak, O P Sagar along with Harshit Goyal, Raman Kumar, Mrityunjay, Faizy Abdul Kalam, Lavanya, Brajesh, Satyam and others, whose collective efforts added grandeur to the evening.

Ultimately, the symposium held on 28th September, 2025 emerged as a spiritual dance offering to Goddess Durga, leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment and cultural pride.

The monthly cultural symposium held at Sanskar Bharati’s central office, Kala Sankul, has blossomed into a vibrant celebration of Indian art and heritage, where the essence of tradition comes alive in its most graceful form. This month’s gathering was made truly special by the presence of the Chief Guest, Padma Shri Smt. Nalini-Kamalini, the renowned Kathak duo, whose distinguished contribution to Indian classical dance brought gravitas and inspiration to the evening.

The program began with the auspicious lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the light of knowledge and culture. The ceremony was conducted by Padma Shri Shrimati Nalini-Kamalini, Sh. Vijay Kumar (Regional Organizational Secretary, Sanskar Bharati), Sh. Ashok Tiwari (President, Kala Sankul), Smt. Shruti Sinha, and Sh. Raj Upadhyay (Coordinator, Performing Arts, Delhi Region).

The cultural performances commenced with a mesmerizing Kathak recital by Ms. Anjali Munjal, who beautifully portrayed the depth of classical dance through an elegant blend of laya, taal, and expressive bhaav. She was followed by Ms. Damini Bisht, whose powerful Kathak performance, enriched with emotive expressions and rhythmic finesse, captivated the audience.

The evening reached a deeper resonance when the Chief Guest, Padma Shri Shrimati Nalini-Kamalini, took to the stage to address the gathering. Kamalini ji shared,

“Art is not merely an expression—it is the beauty of the soul, shaped by years of devotion and discipline. It refines the individual and uplifts society.”

She emphasized the value of consistency, purity, and dedication in artistic practice, highlighting art’s transformative power as a tool for national development.

“In today’s world,” she said, “art awakens inner consciousness, fosters social unity, and becomes a powerful medium for cultural resurgence.”

The symposium was gracefully anchored by Garima Rani and Shri Vishwadeep, who maintained a seamless flow and upheld the dignity of the evening. The event was enriched by the presence of many eminent personalities from the cultural sphere, including Sh. Pradeep Mohanty (Registrar, National School of Drama), Kathak Guru Subhash Ji, Chhau exponent Sapan Acharya Ji, renowned Kathak artist Anu Sinha, Deepali Sinha, and the duo Vikash-Aparna, among others.

The success of the event was the result of sincere efforts by a committed team of volunteers: Shraboni Saha, Sneha Mukherjee, Sakshi Sharma, Bharti Dang, Priyanka, Nandini, Aanchal, Ayushi, Sakshi, Tarushi, Senior Theatre Artist Shyam Kumar, Kuldeep Sharma, O.P.Sagar, Saurabh Tripathi, Raman, Harshit, Digvijay Pandey, Brijesh, Shivam, Satyam, and Mrityunjay—whose dedication brought vitality to the entire celebration.

Toward the end, Smt. Shruti Sinha delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all artists, dignitaries, and organizers. The symposium concluded with the collective chanting of the Shanti Mantra, a sacred moment that left an everlasting impression of the divinity and elegance of Indian art and culture in the hearts of all present.

The “Nritya Shikhar Mahotsav 2025,” held at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi, emerged as a grand celebration of the dignity and tradition of Indian classical dance. Organized by the Urvashi Dance Music Art & Culture Society, the festival introduced art enthusiasts to various classical dance styles while elevating Indian cultural heritage to new heights.

On this occasion, Shri Prabhat Kumar, President of Sanskar Bharti Delhi, graced the event as the chief guest. The festival also honored esteemed personalities from the arts world. Pandit Vijay Shankar Mishra, Shri Ashok Jamanani, and Shri Ashok Jain were presented with the Urvashi Kala Samman. Distinguished guests such as Shri Ashok Tiwari (Secretary, Sanskar Bharti), Padma Shri awardee and renowned Odissi dancer Smt. Madhavi Mudgal, and Shri Pradeep Kumar Pathak (Secretary, Kala Chaitanya) added further prestige to the event with their presence.

The festival featured mesmerizing performances in various classical dance styles like Kathak, Odissi, and Chhau. Among them, a standout performance was delivered by the dynamic young Kathak dancer Vishwadeep from the Jaipur Gharana.

Vishwadeep’s performance was among the most powerful and talked-about presentations of the event. Trained in the Jaipur Gharana tradition, this young artist brought to life the strength, emotion, and rhythmic excellence of Kathak. He began with Chaturbhuj, depicting the four-armed form of Lord Vishnu through expressive dance. His dynamic gestures, balanced movements, and fluid expressions made the performance truly memorable.

Following that, he presented a dance drama titled Ravan, which portrayed the complexities of Ravan’s personality and his inner psychological turmoil. This unique choreography blended traditional Kathak elements with deep emotional storytelling. Directed and choreographed by the acclaimed Kathak guru Shama Bhate, the piece preserved the purity of the dance form while offering a fresh perspective.

Vishwadeep’s performance was not limited to technical brilliance; through his expressions and body language, he powerfully conveyed the varied emotions within Ravan—pride, power, wisdom, and self-reflection. Especially gripping was his portrayal of Ravan’s internal struggle, which left the audience spellboun.

His mastery over footwork, rhythmic patterns (chakradhars and parans), and emotional depth made the performance unforgettable. The audience greatly appreciated his energy, technical finesse, and expressive storytelling. His presentation was not just a classical dance recital, but a dramatic narrative that showcased Kathak as a potent medium for storytelling. When he embodied Ravan on stage, it felt as though the entire auditorium was witnessing a pivotal moment from an epic, with Ravan in deep introspection. Vishwadeep performed with such natural ease that it didn’t feel like a traditional dance performance—it felt like a living, breathing theatrical experience.

The hall erupted in applause after his performance. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Vishwadeep’s presentation made “Nritya Shikhar Mahotsav 2025” a cultural milestone that will be remembered for years to come.

Other notable performances included Pune’s Ameera Patankar and Delhi’s Shobha Bisht. Shobha’s Odissi performance beautifully blended devotion, grace, and feminine dignity. The Chhau performance, directed by Guru Ajay Bhatt, was packed with energy and heroic expression (veer rasa).

The Kathak duet by Gaurav and Himani demonstrated the power of dialogue and harmony in dance. Their performance showcased a unique balance of creativity, technique, and synchronization.

Smt. Rekha Mehra, President of the Urvashi Dance Music Art & Culture Foundation, played a pivotal role in making the event a resounding success. Her dedication to dance and commitment to culture imbued the festival with both dignity and artistic excellence.

“Nritya Shikhar Mahotsav 2025” was more than just a cultural event—it was a living celebration of tradition, showcasing the continuity and creativity of Indian classical dance. For both performers and audiences, it was an inspiring experience that will be cherished for a long time.