Kathak Kendra, New Delhi the Constituent Unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India recently concluded their 6-day mega festival, the 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025.

This mega Mahotsav was a landmark event, featuring the world's first-ever Kathak Literary Festival and a walk through exhibition along side Kathak seminar and Kathak dance concerts running successfully across all six days. The event was graced by established personalities like Dr. Vinay Sahashrabuddhe, former Member of Parliament and former President, ICCR; Maharaj Pusparaj Singh of Rewa, Dr. Amarendra Khatua (IFS) former Director General (ICCR); Dr. Sarita Pathak, renowned vocalist & author , etc. The festival involved renowned artistes and scholars like Pt. Ramlal Bareth (Bilaspur), Dr. Puru Dadheech & Dr. Vibha Dadheech (Indore), Dr. Purnima Pande (Lucknow), Prof. Bharat Gupt (Gurgaon), Smt. Saswati Sen & Smt. Vaswati Mishra (Delhi), Dr. Nandakishore Kapote (Pune), Dr. Shovana Narayan (Delhi), Shri Mata Prasad Mishra & Shri Ravi Shankar Mishra (Banaras), Shri Murlimohan Kalvakalva (Thailand), Mulla Afşar Khan (Pune), Shri Vishal Krishna (Banaras), Prof. Dr. Mandavi Singh (Lucknow), Smt. Nandini Singh (Delhi), Smt. Roshan Datye (Pune) and others.

Smt. Pranaame Bhagawati, Director of the Kathak Kendra aesthetically was in full charge in bringing forth and adding new dimensions and visualisation to the event and with a visionary direction honoured all major gharanas — Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras, and Raigarh — with distinguished artists presenting breathtaking performances.

The final day at the Kamani Auditorium was graced by Smt. Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi. Renowned scholars and exponents from various parts of the country shared insights on topics like the involvement of royal patronage, evolution & variation of *bol* and the significance of manuscripts — spotlighting Kathak’s rich literary heritage. A dedicated effort was made to document these valuable discussions, resulting in a curated collection of newly published books, showcased in the festival’s inaugural book fair, which drew immense audience interest. 

The evening performances followed a dynamic three-tier structure: solo, duet, and group recitals. All the Gharanas of the Kathak dance art, fascinated audiences with its rare nuances and traditional style. The event was a resounding success, drawing a full house and leaving visitors enriched with newfound knowledge and admiration for Kathak’s literary and artistic legacy.

With this grandeur and expansive thinking which was witnessed at the 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025 the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi showcases an epitome of alluring executions and a promise to upscale the dimensions of the Kathak dance with an innovative approach.

****

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2116926) Visitor Counter : 1314