Natya Tarangini will present the 30th edition of the Parampara Series – National Festival of Dance & Music from 7 to 9 August 2026 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, continuing a three-decade tradition of showcasing India’s classical music and dance traditions. The annual festival will begin each evening at 7:00 PM and feature leading maestros alongside accomplished younger performers representing diverse classical traditions.
Founded by Padma Bhushan awardees Dr. Raja Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy, Natya Tarangini has established the Parampara Series as a significant cultural platform that brings together established masters and emerging talent. Since its inception, the festival has sought to preserve India’s artistic heritage while making classical performing arts accessible to contemporary audiences.
A Diverse Line-up Across Three Evenings
This year’s programme presents a blend of instrumental music, Hindustani classical vocal recitals and classical dance.
Festival Highlights
- 7 August: Pt. Shubhendra Rao, Saskia Rao-de Haas and Ishaan Rao (Sitar, Cello and Piano), followed by the Raja Radha Reddy Troupe’s Kuchipudi performance.
- 8 August: Hindustani vocal recital by Pt. Madhup Mudgal and Sawani Mudgal, followed by a Kathak performance by Maitreyee Pahari.
- 9 August: Hindustani vocal presentation by Pt. Sajan Mishra and Swaransh Mishra, concluding with a dance performance by Pavitra Bhat.
The opening evening will feature an unusual collaboration between sitar, cello and piano, bringing together three distinct musical traditions. The Raja Radha Reddy Troupe will then present Kuchipudi, one of India’s foremost classical dance traditions, reflecting the institution’s long-standing commitment to the art form.
Legacy of Natya Tarangini
Established in 1976, Natya Tarangini has evolved from a Kuchipudi dance school into one of India’s recognised performing arts institutions. Besides training students in the Guru-Shishya tradition, the organisation has promoted Indian classical arts through festivals, workshops and international collaborations. Its headquarters in New Delhi also houses an amphitheatre, art gallery and residential facilities for students from India and abroad.
The Parampara Series itself was launched in the mid-1990s as an annual festival to celebrate Indian performing arts. Over the years, it has welcomed legendary performers including Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Kishori Amonkar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Dr M. Balamuralikrishna, Begum Parveen Sultana, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Vyjayanthimala Bali, Alarmel Valli and international companies such as the Moscow Classical Ballet and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Event Information
The festival will be held at Kamani Auditorium, one of New Delhi’s prominent venues for performing arts.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 30th Parampara Series – National Festival of Dance & Music |
| Organiser | Natya Tarangini |
| Venue | Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, New Delhi |
| Opening Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Festival Dates | 7–9 August 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM onwards |
| Entry | Refer to official organiser for ticket and registration details. |
| Website | https://www.natyatarangini.in |
For programme updates and registration details, visitors can refer to the official website of Natya Tarangini and event announcements available through the organisation. Information about the venue can also be accessed through Kamani Auditorium.
Continuing a cultural tradition
Over three decades, the Parampara Series has become an important annual fixture on Delhi’s cultural calendar by creating opportunities for audiences to experience different schools of Indian classical music and dance under one roof. The organisers continue to balance performances by senior maestros with appearances by younger artistes, encouraging continuity between generations.
Final Thoughts
As the festival marks its 30th edition, it reflects Natya Tarangini’s continuing commitment to preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage through live performance. Beyond entertainment, the event serves as a meeting point for artists, students and connoisseurs, reinforcing the relevance of classical traditions in contemporary cultural life while inspiring future generations to engage with India’s rich artistic legacy.
