Kathak Day Foundation and Sabhyata Foundation Mark Fourth Edition
New Delhi, February 5, 2026: Sabhyata Foundation, in collaboration with Kathak Day Foundation, hosted ‘Dastaan-e-Kathak 2026’ today at the historic Safdarjung’s Tomb, celebrating devotion, legacy, and the living tradition of Kathak.
Theme “Anciently Mine” Honours Pandit Birju Maharaj
The event marked the fourth edition of Kathak Day, themed “Anciently Mine,” held in honour of the birth anniversary of Pandit Birju Maharaj. This edition was dedicated entirely to Kathak as a classical dance form for the first time.
Curated by Shivani Varma with Focus on Sound and Movement
Curated by noted Kathak danseuse Ms. Shivani Varma, Founder of Kathak Day Foundation, the programme was conceived around the idea of ‘hearing the dance and seeing the music.’ The curation foregrounded soundscapes intrinsic to Indian classical dance, presenting Kathak as a confluence of rhythm, melody, and movement.
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Pandit Rajendra Gangani Leads Intergenerational Performance
Led by Pandit Rajendra Gangani, the performance brought together master practitioners and young artists, fostering intergenerational dialogue while highlighting Kathak’s enduring power as a storytelling medium. The evening also drew attention to the ghungroos as an essential musical element.
Visual Narrative by Heritage Photographer Amit Pasricha
Complementing the dance performance was India Lost and Found, a visual narrative by renowned heritage photographer Amit Pasricha, offering audiences a contemplative exploration of India’s architectural legacy.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Attends the Event
The programme was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Government of India, along with Ms. Avantika Dalmia, Co-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Sabhyata Foundation, and other dignitaries.
Minister Highlights Heritage Monuments as Cultural Centres
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Shekhawat noted that heritage monuments can once again become active centres for cultural expression, and programmes like Dastaan-e-Kathak demonstrate how classical arts can be presented thoughtfully in historic spaces.
Sabhyata Foundation Emphasises Living Spaces of Culture
Ms. Avantika Dalmia stated that Sabhyata Foundation’s endeavour is to ensure heritage sites are not only preserved but experienced as living spaces of culture and learning, reflecting the spirit of the art form and the monument.
Shivani Varma on Authenticity in Classical Traditions
Reflecting on the show, Ms. Shivani Varma said that classical arts like Kathak are living traditions rooted in legacy yet alive in the present, and the intent is to make these forms accessible without dilution or fusion.
Takeaway
Through initiatives such as Dastaan-e-Kathak 2026, Sabhyata Foundation continues its mission to position heritage monuments as spaces where art, history, and storytelling converge, reinforcing classical traditions as a living part of India’s cultural life.
