A Grand Finale at Kamani Auditorium
The Festival of New Choreographies – KalaYatra 2026 concluded on 29 January 2026 at Kamani Auditorium, marking one of the most significant cultural milestones witnessed by the National Capital in recent decades. Curated and conceptualised by Dr. Sonal Mansingh, the five-day festival unfolded across 13, 14, 15, 28 and 29 January, emerging as a rare confluence of governance, guruship, and creative vision.
A Confluence of Institutions and Vision
Jointly presented by the Department of Art, Culture & Language, Government of NCT of Delhi, the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD), and Dr. Sonal Mansingh, KalaYatra 2026 firmly positioned Delhi at the centre of India’s contemporary classical arts movement. Packed auditoriums across all five evenings reflected deep public engagement and cultural resonance.
The Concluding Evening: Civilisational Depth and Inclusivity
The final evening on 29 January featured two compelling choreographic works. Saugandhikaharnam, presented by Chidakash Kalalay Centre, Kolkata and directed by Piyal Bhattacharya, explored a lesser-known Mahabharata episode where brute strength yields to wisdom, rendered in the Marga Natya tradition. The festival culminated with Matrika by India’s all-LGBTQ+ professional Rainbow Dance Troupe, Barasat, directed by Ratri Das, celebrating the collective power of the divine feminine while standing as a strong statement of inclusivity within classical performance.
Day Four: Ethical and Emotional Core of the Mahabharata
On 28 January, audiences witnessed two intense Mahabharata-based productions. Duryodhana by Srjan – Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa, Bhubaneswar, choreographed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra, offered a layered portrayal of pride, ambition, and moral blindness. This was followed by Chakravyuha by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi, depicting Abhimanyu’s heroic sacrifice through Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kalaripayattu, leaving a haunting final image.
The Opening Leg: Six Distinct Choreographic Voices
The earlier leg of KalaYatra 2026 (13–15 January) featured six distinctive works from across India. The festival opened with Amrut-Manthan, a magnum opus conceptualised, choreographed, and directed by Dr. Sonal Mansingh. Other notable presentations included Athijeevanam (Kathakali), Naadaswarupaam Devim Namaami, Girija Kalyana (Yakshagana), Karna – Bound by Fate, and Sita Bibaha Bihar, reflecting the breadth of India’s classical traditions.
Eminent Presence and Cultural Endorsement
KalaYatra 2026 was graced by an array of politicians, senior bureaucrats, Padma awardees, iconic dancers, and Gurus, reinforcing its stature as a national cultural moment. The sustained audience response across all five days bore testimony to the festival’s artistic and intellectual impact.
Government and Guru Speak
Highlighting Delhi’s cultural vision, Shri K. Mahesh, Secretary, Department of Art, Culture & Language, Government of NCT of Delhi, stated that the government is committed to positioning Delhi as a global cultural hub, noting a significant rise in cultural programming. Reciprocating the support, Dr. Sonal Mansingh reflected that the festival was envisioned as a space where Gurus could speak to the present without abandoning the past—rooted yet inclusive, classical yet contemporary.
CICD’s Five-Decade Legacy on Display
The foyer of Kamani Auditorium showcased a pictorial exhibition tracing 49 years (1977–present) of CICD’s journey—from rare photographs to major milestones. Founded by Dr. Sonal Mansingh in 1977, CICD continues to serve as a sanctuary for training, research, and performance, emphasising holistic education that transcends boundaries of language, religion, and values.
Exhibition Details
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Festival of New Choreographies – KalaYatra 2026 |
| Curator | Dr. Sonal Mansingh |
| Dates | 13, 14, 15, 28 & 29 January 2026 |
| Venue | Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi |
| Presented by | Department of Art, Culture & Language (GNCTD), CICD, Dr. Sonal Mansingh |
Takeaway
With packed houses, critical acclaim, and a visionary curatorial framework, KalaYatra 2026 reaffirmed that Indian classical dance continues to evolve while remaining rooted in civilisational wisdom. As the final curtain fell, the festival stood not merely as an event, but as a cultural movement—one that promises conscious renewal, inclusivity, and enduring relevance for generations to come.
