IHC Samanvay returns in 2026 with THIS BLESSED LAND | YEH DHARTI APNI, a multi-day cultural and intellectual gathering that celebrates the deep, shared continuum between people and place. The programme reflects on India’s sacred landscapes—its mountains, forests, deserts, rivers, and coastlines—and the living cultures and communities they continue to sustain.
Journeying Through Land, Memory, and Culture
Scheduled between February 6 and 8, IHC Samanvay 2026 unfolds as a journey through diverse ecological and cultural terrains. Through films, conversations, music, and moments of collective reflection, the programme explores how landscapes shape memory, identity, and ways of life across the subcontinent.
Keynote Address by Sunita Narain
The 2026 edition will feature a keynote address by Sunita Narain, whose work has consistently foregrounded the relationship between ecology, policy, and social justice. Her address is expected to frame the larger conversations around environmental responsibility and cultural continuity.
Voices from Across Disciplines
IHC Samanvay 2026 brings together an eminent group of speakers and thinkers from literature, conservation, public policy, and cultural studies. The speakers include Mike Pandey, Vivek Menon, Namita Gokhale, Navtej Sarna, Stephen Alter, William Dalrymple, Mamang Dai, Ilse Köhler-Rollefson, Milan Moudgil, Abhishek Srivastava, Dr. Sunita Reddy, Neha Sinha, among others.
Conversations Rooted in Ecology and Belonging
Through dialogue and artistic engagement, the programme foregrounds the idea of land not merely as geography, but as a living archive of stories, livelihoods, and belief systems. IHC Samanvay positions ecology and culture as inseparable—encouraging audiences to reflect on belonging, stewardship, and shared futures.
Hosted at India Habitat Centre
The event is hosted at the India Habitat Centre, a long-standing platform for interdisciplinary cultural and intellectual exchange. IHC Samanvay continues the centre’s legacy of fostering dialogue on issues that intersect environment, society, and the arts.
With THIS BLESSED LAND | YEH DHARTI APNI, IHC Samanvay 2026 offers a timely meditation on India’s landscapes as living, breathing entities shaped by human care and cultural memory. By bringing together diverse voices and creative forms, the programme invites audiences to reflect on ecological responsibility, belonging, and the shared future of people and place.
Gujral Within: An Introspection is an exhibition of works by the late modern master Satish Gujral(1925–2025), presented in the centenary year of the artist. The exhibition is organised by RGAL | Raseel Gujral Art Legacy in collaboration with Dhoomimal Art Centre, and will be held at Bikaner House.
An Acquisition-Led and Inward Journey
This marks the first acquisition-led presentation of works drawn entirely from the private collection of Raseel Gujral. Rather than functioning as a retrospective, Gujral Within is conceived as an inward journey—entering the distilled, reflective terrain of Gujral’s later decades. The exhibition offers collectors and institutions a rare opportunity to encounter original works and editions that have never been exhibited publicly before.
Works from the Artist’s Final Decade
The exhibition brings together a carefully edited body of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, focusing largely on the final decade of Satish Gujral’s artistic practice. During this period, form was reduced, gestures became deliberate, and meaning was carried with quiet authority. These works reflect an artist who no longer sought to persuade or explain, but to observe, refine, and hold complexity with restraint.
Enduring Themes and Deepened Inwardness
The lifelong concerns that shaped Gujral’s work—identity, displacement, political conscience, architecture, and the human condition—continue to surface in these works, though with heightened inwardness. Speaking less through declaration and more through internal resonance, the works are reflective, uncompromising, and acutely aware of the distance between the artist and the world he observed.
Drawn from a Private Collection
Assembled not for spectacle but for proximity, the works on view were lived with and returned to over time. Selected for their capacity to hold thought, memory, and moral tension, the exhibition invites viewers to linger and encounter Gujral not as an icon, but as a thinking and questioning presence.
RGAL and a Longstanding Gallery Association
The exhibition is presented under RGAL | Raseel Gujral Art Legacy, an initiative dedicated to preserving, contextualising, and extending Satish Gujral’s artistic and intellectual legacy. The collaboration with Dhoomimal Art Centre acknowledges a long-standing association that supported Gujral’s work through significant phases of his career—making this centenary co-hosting a gesture of reflection and continuity.
Centenary Limited Edition Prints
As part of Gujral Within, five works from the private collection have been selected for release as centenary limited edition prints, marking the first such edition under RGAL. These works, never previously editioned, are reproduced on museum-grade archival paper using archival pigment processes. Each artwork will have nine reproductions in the first edition, with a total of 99 per work released in carefully measured phases over time.
Stewardship, Authenticity, and Access
Individually numbered and authenticated, each print is issued with formal certification under RGAL. A limited number of artist’s proofs and institutional copies are retained within the archive. Conceived as extensions of Gujral’s inner vocabulary rather than conventional reproductions, the editions aim to extend access while remaining anchored in authenticity, provenance, and curatorial care.
RGAL | Raseel Gujral Art Legacy, in collaboration with Dhoomimal Art Centre
Takeaway
Gujral Within: An Introspection offers a contemplative encounter rather than a monumental survey. By bringing together unseen works from Satish Gujral’s later years, the exhibition foregrounds restraint, silence, and moral weight—allowing form to speak quietly and inwardly. In the centenary year of the artist, the presentation stands as an act of stewardship, extending Gujral’s dialogue into new collections with integrity and intent.
A remarkable literary milestone was marked this week as 13-year-old international author Nethra Arabolu, who writes under the pen name Nat A, officially launched her debut fantasy novel “Ku: Vow of the Eternal Light”. The young author, currently based in Hyderabad, has already gained international recognition, including a public commendation from a US Senator during her time in the United States.
A Fantasy Rooted in Mythology and Adolescence
Written when she was just 12 years old, Ku: Vow of the Eternal Light is the first book in the Ku trilogy. Inspired by Japanese mythology, the novel follows the journey of Mitsukihime, a spirited girl with a mysterious past, who—alongside friends wielding elemental powers—must confront a resurrected demon lord. Beyond its mythical setting, the story explores universal adolescent struggles, particularly the impact of rumours and the resilience found in friendship.
Writing as a Personal and Emotional Process
Speaking about her inspiration, Nethra Arabolu shared that the novel became a way to process challenges faced by many young people today. She hopes the story will help readers navigate similar experiences. The book represents a year and a half of dedicated writing, late nights, and multiple rounds of editing, supported by feedback from a global community of readers and editors.
Launch and Availability Details
The official book launch took place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. “Ku: Vow of the Eternal Light” is now available in India via Pothi and globally on Amazon, with digital access also offered through Amazon Kindle Unlimited for both Indian and international readers.
Growing Recognition and Media Attention
Nethra Arabolu’s literary journey has already attracted media attention, with previous coverage from international news platforms such as WTNH News 8 and WFSB News 3. Her growing readership and early recognition position her as a promising new voice in young adult fantasy literature.
With Ku: Vow of the Eternal Light, Nethra Arabolu makes a confident and imaginative entry into the world of fantasy literature. Blending mythological storytelling with themes of friendship, courage, and emotional resilience, the debut novel signals the arrival of a young author whose voice is already resonating across borders.
Enigma of Jaipur & The Jadugar of Jaipur: Two Ground-Breaking Solo Exhibitions
A Rare Dual Opening in the Capital
A truly rare artistic moment arrives in New Delhi this February with the simultaneous opening of two ground-breaking solo exhibitions—The Enigma of Jaipur and The Jadugar of Jaipur. Presented by The Crites Collection in collaboration with ICA Gallery – Jaipur, the exhibitions offer a deep dive into Rajasthan’s “outsider” art movement through the works of the late Nannu Singh and contemporary visionary Nagdas.
Curatorial Vision Rooted in Indigenous Art Scholarship
The exhibitions are conceptualised by indigenous art scholar Minhazz Majumdar and renowned American expert Mitchell A. K. Crites, alongside the Bansal family of ICA Gallery, Jaipur. Crites has spent over 55 years in India working with folk, tribal, and tantric artists, while the Bansal family has been custodians of one of Jaipur’s most significant collections of Sanskrit documents and traditional miniatures for three generations.
The Enigma of Jaipur: Nannu Singh’s Visionary Legacy
The Enigma of Jaipur showcases the work of the extraordinary self-taught artist Nannu Singh (1905–2005), often referred to as the “Picasso of India.” His contemplative paintings—created on handmade paper using stone-ground and mineral pigments—bridge folk and tantric traditions with modern abstraction. Stylised yet deeply spiritual, Singh’s works evoke mystery and inner conflict, situating identity and belief between past and present. Crites regards him as one of the most significant and creative Indian artists of the last century.
The Jadugar of Jaipur: Nagdas and Mythic Imagination
In contrast, The Jadugar of Jaipur presents the powerful black-and-white paintings of Nagdas, a young self-trained artist whose work channels the spirit of the “jadugar” or magician. His hypnotic compositions are populated by therianthropes—hybrid beings merging human, animal, and mythical forms—drawn from folk myths, oral traditions, and personal vision. Working intuitively without preparatory sketches, Nagdas treats art as spiritual worship, constructing worlds where the real and the mythical coexist.
A Shared Creative Pulse from the Pink City
While distinct in tone and approach, both exhibitions are united by their engagement with the protean creativity of Jaipur—celebrated here as a true City of Artists. Together, the shows reveal how folk memory, spirituality, and imagination continue to inform contemporary outsider practices.
Hosted at India Habitat Centre
Spread across the Visual Arts Gallery and the Open Palm Court at the India Habitat Centre, the twin exhibitions underscore the curatorial mission of The Crites Collection and ICA Gallery – Jaipur to foreground significant artist voices and foster meaningful conversations within contemporary Indian art.
Together, The Enigma of Jaipur and The Jadugar of Jaipur offer two singular yet complementary journeys into the artistic soul of Jaipur. By bringing together visionary works by Nannu Singh and Nagdas, the exhibitions promise an immersive experience for collectors, scholars, and art enthusiasts—revealing how outsider art continues to shape and challenge narratives within contemporary Indian art.
A voice carrying the timeless wisdom of Kabir Vani takes centre stage as Shabnam Virmani-Indian filmmaker, writer, singer, and the creative force behind The Kabir Project-joins the LLDC Winter Festival 2026. The evening promises an intimate confluence of mystic poetry, music, and spiritual reflection.
Part of the LLDC Winter Festival Programme
Scheduled for 25 January 2026, the performance forms a key highlight of the LLDC Winter Festival, inviting audiences to slow down and listen-deeply and collectively. Through song and contemplative pauses, the programme explores Kabir’s verses as living wisdom rather than historical text.
Song, Silence, and Soulful Connection
Known for her immersive presentations, Virmani’s approach blends melody with meaning, allowing Kabir’s words to resonate across time and context. The hour-long session is envisioned as an experiential journey-where song meets silence, and reflection opens into shared presence.
The event will be hosted at the LLDC Craft Museum, located along the Bhuj–Bhachau Highway in Ajrakhpur. Set within a region celebrated for its craft traditions and cultural memory, the venue adds a textured backdrop to the evening’s contemplative tone.
Open to the Public with Passes Available
The programme is open to the public, with passes available via advance booking. Visitors to Kutch are encouraged to include the event in their winter itinerary, experiencing a blend of music, spirituality, and place.
By bringing Kabir’s verses into a shared space of listening and reflection, Shabnam Virmani’s performance at the LLDC Winter Festival 2026 offers more than a concert-it creates a moment of stillness and connection. Set against the cultural landscape of Kutch, the evening invites audiences to engage with mystic poetry as a living, breathing presence in the present.
The Indian Independence struggle has been witnessed by several stalwarts and legends. These individuals have stood tall in the face of adversity and been the pillars on which the freedom struggle was built, executed and Independence finally achieved. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Bhagat Singh the list is truly very long. But whenever the 23rd of January makes its way, I am reminded of the heroics and vision of one freedom fighter in particular. The day marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Growing up in Kolkata, West Bengal it was hard to not learn about Netaji, his ideologies, and his brave call for complete freedom.
As a child growing up in a state that was governed by communist ideals, Netaji’s callings were widely relatable. Add to that the aggressive fervor of youth and the desire to bring about ‘actual’ change made me and many like me, his admirers. His influence on the state is unquestionable and one of the reasons why the 23rd of January is a public holiday in West Bengal and many other adjoining states.
The Philosophy of Differences
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There was something always rebellious and stirring while reading about Netaji’s life journey. He parted ways with the most iconic of the Independence movement leaders, the Mahatma himself. But the difference in ideology never meant disrespect to the person. It was Netaji, who called Mahatma Gandhi the ‘Father of the Nation’ for the very first time in a radio broadcast from Rangoon. Mahatma himself called Bose, the ‘Patriot of Patriots‘.
Thus, the mutual respect that they held for each other was never relegated to a petty personal defaming discourse. A reality that we often see mouthed out from prime-time news channels these days. Politics prevailed and history bears the brunt of differing ideologies. It also finds the true essence of human intellect and democracy.
For here, it is a nation of more than a hundred crores of people. A nation that must be open to disagreements and differences. A country that must strive for all views to be heard, all ideas to find a way of execution, and all ideologies a place for documentation. Yes, there were differences in the past too, but the Gandhi-Netaji divide was one of the most landmark movements. Because it recognized that it wasn’t necessary to fall in line with principles and practices that one couldn’t agree with. Netaji was a leader who chose to create his path, breaking away from the shadows of the Indian National Congress.
The Philosophy of Non-violence
Any discussion on Netaji is quite incomplete without citing his famous quote, ‘Give me blood and I will give you freedom‘. This was in complete contrast to the non-violence approach. With the years of subjugation by the British, who themselves were not averse to using violence as a means of rule, the call for an aggressive outlook seems fair enough.
He formed the INA or Indian National Army, a force to reckon with. The British PM during the Indian Independence Clement Attlee also acknowledged the loyalty of the Indian Navy and Army to the British. It had declined due to the increase in the INA’s or Azad Hind Fauj’s activities.
The Philosophy of Success and Failures
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Netaji’s life can be viewed as a classic inspiration of success over failures. Although he cleared the Indian Civil Service examination he didn’t wish to work for an ‘alien government’. He joined the Congress and rose to the rank of the President of the party. He went ahead and founded the All India Forward Bloc within the Congress as a separate faction to strengthen the leftist ideologies. Bose with his charisma and call for total ‘swaraj’.
He believed that for independence India needed a socialist authoritarian view. It was his arrest in 1941 that led to his escape to Germany through Afghanistan. In Germany, he created the Indian Legion of about 4000 soldiers, the Indian prisoners of war who had fought for the British. However, when Germany decided to lay control over the Soviets, Bose felt disappointed because of his leftist views. He also realized that with the German army retreating it had no chance of helping him in getting the British out of India. And so in 1943, he left for Japan.
He revived the INA with strong support from Rash Behari Bose. The INA had its own set of trials and tribulations. However, a momentous moment occurred in Manipur in the town of Moirang when the Indian tricolor (designed after the Indian National Congress) was raised for the first time. The INA fought against the British in many battles, including in Burma. But with the fall of Rangoon and the Japanese surrender, the INA largely surrendered and many INA prisoners were repatriated to India.
The Philosophy of Politics
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Bose describes himself as a leftist and a socialist. In his speech, he called for a ‘synthesis between National Socialism and communism. He strongly believed that democracy was the best option for India. Many believe that his alliance with the Axis powers during the World War. It was a practical approach to reaching complete independence for India. Unlike fascist or Nazi he believed that the socialist state would be important for the re-building of the nation. Democracy and fundamental rights on equality, secularism, etc. must prevail.
The Philosophy of Equality
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One of the most visionary leaders, Netaji was far above petty classifications of gender, religion, caste, and class. He was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda and he gave utmost importance to social service above all.
The INA broke all stereotypes when it formed a separate women’s unit called the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. The regiment was headed by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan. Bose also felt strongly for the cause of the peasants and laborers. He became a hero for not only India but an inspiration for many Third World countries too. He did put India and its zeal and want for independence on the global map.
In 1945 Netaji is said to have suffered fatal burns that led to his death from a plane crash. Many believe that these were conspiracy theories and that Netaji survived. His death continues to be shrouded in mystery, however, his legacy remains etched in history and memory.
Netaji in many ways symbolizes the warrior hero whose patriotism saw no bound. His strategic and pragmatic planning to overthrow the colonial regime was fraught with a relentless passion for the homeland. At the same time, his liberal ideas and unflinching ardor for acquiring complete independence through secular and unbiased approaches made him a true leader.
Yet, despite his acumen, philosophies, and liberal thinking, Netaji connected with all of us because he was humane. He was not the Mahatma, but an extraordinary human being who captured the imagination of the youth. He stood by his beliefs but did not undermine or insult the different approaches towards the same goal of independence. He instead walked his path and created a legacy that inspired many along the way. And for that Netaji will always live on.
Inspirational quotes by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Freedom is Not Given, It is Taken.
It is Blood Alone that can Pay the Price of Freedom. Give Me Blood & I will Give You Freedom.
Life Loses Half its Interest if there is No Struggle – If here are No Risks to be Taken.
No Real Change in History has Ever been Achieved by Discussions.
It is Our Duty to Pay for Our Liberty with Our Own Blood.
India is Calling. Blood is Calling to Blood. Get up, We Have No Time to Lose.
One Individual May Die for an Idea, but that Idea will, After his Death, Incarnate Itself in a Thousand Lives.
The Secret of Political bargaining is to Look More Strong than What You Really Are.
FAQs on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Question: Who was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian freedom fighter who led the Indian National Army and advocated armed resistance against British rule.
Question: Why is Subhas Chandra Bose called “Netaji”?
Answer: The honorific “Netaji,” meaning “Respected Leader,” was given to Subhas Chandra Bose by his followers for his leadership and revolutionary vision.
Question: What was the Indian National Army (INA)?
Answer: The Indian National Army was a military force formed by Subhas Chandra Bose to fight British colonial rule with the support of Indians living abroad.
Question: What is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s famous slogan?
Answer: His most famous slogan was “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” reflecting his call for complete sacrifice for India’s independence.
Question: Why is the death of Subhas Chandra Bose controversial?
Answer: His death remains controversial due to conflicting accounts and lack of conclusive evidence, leading to ongoing public debate and investigations.
Wednesday, 21st January 2026: London-based arts non-profit The Arts Family (TAF) will mark its continued presence at India Art Fair 2026 with a curated presentation in the fair’s Institutional Section. The showcase will feature award-winning contemporary artists from the latest edition of the TAF Emerging Artist Award – South Asia 2025.
Platform Supporting South Asian Contemporary Voices
TAF has rapidly established itself as a platform committed to supporting emerging and mid-career contemporary artists and art professionals from South Asia. Through its flagship Emerging Artist Award, alongside talks, exhibitions, and residencies, the organisation fosters international exposure, critical dialogue, and long-term professional development for artists working across the region.
Award-Winning Artists at India Art Fair 2026
At India Art Fair 2026, TAF will present works by the winners of the TAF Emerging Artist Award – South Asia 2025. The participating artists include Deena Pindoria (1st winner), Ritika Sharma (2nd winner), Akshay Bhoan (2nd winner), Mohit Shelare (3rd winner), and Deshna Shah (Special Mention).
Spotlight on Deena Pindoria and Deshna Shah
Among the featured artists is Deena Pindoria, a textile-based artist from Kutch and the first winner of the TAF Award 2025. Also included is Deshna Shah (UK), recipient of the Young Artist Award, who will go on to present a solo exhibition at Nature Morte in April 2026. The presentation underscores TAF’s commitment to providing institutional visibility and sustained professional opportunities for artists.
International Jury and Founder’s Perspective
The selected artists were chosen by an international jury from nearly 1,000 submissions. Speaking about TAF’s participation, Neha Jaiswal, Founder of The Arts Family, noted that the organisation is delighted to return to India Art Fair and continue building international visibility for South Asian artists through meaningful connections and long-term support structures.
Institutional Presence at NSIC Grounds
India Art Fair 2026 will take place from 5th to 8th February 2026 at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds, New Delhi. TAF’s presentation will be located at Booth M-04 within the Institutional Section, offering fair visitors insight into some of the most promising contemporary practices emerging from South Asia.
With its return to India Art Fair 2026, The Arts Family continues to strengthen its role as a key supporter of South Asian contemporary art. By presenting award-winning artists within an institutional framework, TAF reinforces its mission of fostering visibility, dialogue, and long-term growth for emerging voices on an international stage.
Three Contemporary Practices Come Together in Delhi
A compelling mix of sculpture and painting will be presented at India Art Fair 2026, bringing together three distinct contemporary artistic practices by Sandilya Theuerkauf, Meenal Singh, and Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy. The showcase will be presented by KYNKYNY Art Gallery at Booth No. L 08, from February 5 to 8, 2026, at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds, New Delhi.
Material as an Active Force in Meaning-Making
The presentation foregrounds material and process as central to artistic expression. Moving across sculpture and painting, the works explore how substance, transformation, and material intelligence shape meaning—positioning material not as a passive medium, but as an active collaborator in contemporary practice.
Sandilya Theuerkauf: Sculpture Rooted in Ecology
Artwork – Sandilya
Sandilya Theuerkauf will present sculptural and relief works created from found plant-based materials. Rooted in ecology and forest conservation, his practice involves collecting fallen vegetal matter during daily walks and crafting each work from a single plant species. Adapting technique to the physical qualities of each material, his compositions reflect a delicate balance between human intervention and organic form, fostering a deeper environmental awareness.
Meenal Singh: Fluid Pigment and Immersive Painting
Artwork – Meenal Singh
Meenal Singh will showcase large-format oil-on-canvas paintings driven by the fluid behaviour of liquid pigment. Working without brushes or direct contact with the surface, she employs experimental, process-led techniques to create expansive, abstracted landscapes. Colour, motion, and materiality guide the viewer through immersive and contemplative visual spaces.
Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy: Metal, Body, and Presence
Artwork – Janarthanan
Janarthanan Rudhramoorthy will present iron and steel sculptures that explore the relationship between the human body and inner consciousness. Inspired by the layered structures of bird nests, his works transform dense materials into forms that evoke presence and absence, impermanence, and transformation—challenging perceptions of weight, solidity, and spatial balance.
A Curated Presentation by KYNKYNY Art Gallery
Together, the works highlight how material choice and process shape contemporary artistic language. Curated and presented by KYNKYNY Art Gallery, the showcase reflects the gallery’s long-standing engagement with practices that explore unconventional materials, ecological awareness, and conceptual depth within India’s evolving contemporary art landscape.
Through sculpture and painting, this curated presentation at India Art Fair 2026 underscores the power of material-led inquiry in contemporary art. By bringing together practices rooted in ecology, process, and spatial consciousness, the showcase invites audiences to reconsider how material, method, and meaning intersect in shaping artistic expression today.
The Festival of New Choreographies – KalaYatra 2026 is now in its final phase. It had a successful first three days on January 13, 14, and 15, and will have two epic evenings on January 28 and 29, 2026. The Kamani Auditorium, which is famous for its architecture, will host the finale. This will be the end of a celebration of modern dance styles that are based on classical Indian dance.
A Collaborative Cultural Commitment
Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Sonal Mansingh
Jointly presented by the Department of Art, Culture & Language, Government of NCT of Delhi, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Sonal Mansingh, KalaYatra 2026 reflects a shared commitment to nurturing India’s living classical traditions. The festival foregrounds new choreographies that draw from Bharatiya civilisational values while responding to contemporary sensibilities.
Curated by Sonal Mansingh for CICD
Curated by Dr. Sonal Mansingh for the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD), the festival brings together 10 new choreographies presented by eminent dance institutions from across India. Following an overwhelming audience response to the opening days, anticipation now builds for the festival’s much-awaited finale.
Day Four Highlights: 28th January
The fourth day opens with Duryodhana, presented by Srjan, Bhubaneswar, under the guidance of Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. The choreography explores the psychological depth of Duryodhana, one of the Mahabharata’s most complex characters, tracing his arrogance, rage, and ultimate downfall leading to the Kurukshetra war.
This is followed by Chakravyuha by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi, a powerful retelling of young Abhimanyu’s tragic journey. Drawing from Mayurbhanj Chhau and Kalaripayattu, the production captures both the ferocity of battle and the emotional poignancy of Abhimanyu’s fate.
Day Five Highlights: 29th January
The final evening opens with Bheema, presented by Chidakash Kalalay Centre of Art and Divinity, Kolkata, and directed by Piyal Bhattacharya. Performed in the Marga Natya style, the choreography depicts Bheema’s transformative encounter with Hanuman during his quest for the Saugandhika Pushpa, culminating in spiritual revelation and the imparting of Sanatana Dharma.
The festival concludes with Matrika by Rainbow Dance Troupe, Barasat, India’s all-LGBTQ+ professional dance ensemble, directed by Ratri Das. Inspired by the creation of Shakti and the emergence of the Matrikas, the production celebrates the collective power of the divine feminine through a visually striking narrative of strength, protection, and transformation.
Department of Art, Culture & Language, Govt. of NCT of Delhi & CICD
Conclusion
As KalaYatra 2026 comes to an end, the festival shows that Indian classical dance is still a living, changing tradition. The last performances will be an immersive celebration of movement, mythology, and meaning that will bring this landmark festival to a powerful close. They will use powerful stories from the Mahabharata and explore divine and human consciousness.
The Sacred Gaze Resinated Fibreglass with Automotive Paint 92” x 66” x 76”
An Immersive Presentation at The Chanakya
Renowned artist Thota Vaikuntam presents an immersive showcase of his iconic Telangana figures at The Chanakya Imagine Atelier 2026, New Delhi, on 21st and 22nd January, 2026. The presentation explores identity, materiality, and cultural memory through a striking reimagining of his visual language across embroidery, bronze, and sculptural forms.
Reimagining Painting Through Embroidery
Thota Vaikuntam 48 x 38 Silk embroidery on velvet, embellished with precious and semi-precious gemstones
In a rare and intricate collaboration between painting and craft, Vaikuntam’s signature figures find new expression through silk and zardozi embroidery. Translated onto velvet surfaces, his distinctive colours, symbols, and forms are rendered using fine silk threads and embellished with precious and semi-precious gemstones. This material shift brings tactile depth to his visual narratives, expanding their emotional and sensory resonance.
Bronze Sculptures and Quiet Strength
Moving seamlessly between two and three dimensions, Vaikuntam’s bronze works introduce his recognisable figures into sculptural form while retaining their symbolic intensity. His bronze heads of men and women convey stillness and inner strength, animated by subtle accents of colour against dark bronze surfaces. The balance between stylised abstraction and natural detail lends these works both vitality and composure.
“The Sacred Gaze” in Monumental Form
Rendered in resinated fibreglass with automotive paint, The Sacred Gaze pays homage to the Telangana woman. These sculptural heads are not conventional portraits, but distilled embodiments of identity, memory, and belonging. Monumental in scale, the works merge the contemporary with the traditional, and the spiritual with the everyday—asserting presence through form, gaze, and colour.
Presented by Black Cube Gallery
The presentation is brought to New Delhi by Black Cube Gallery as part of The Chanakya Imagine Atelier 2026, held at The Chanakya. Across material transitions—from embroidery and bronze to sculptural forms—the exhibition highlights Vaikuntam’s enduring engagement with the people and spirit of Telangana.
Tradition Rearticulated Through Contemporary Expression
Together, the works reflect how Vaikuntam’s visual language continues to evolve through material experimentation. Moving fluidly between craft, sculpture, and monumental form, the presentation offers a contemplative encounter with cultural continuity—where tradition is not preserved as static history, but reimagined through contemporary expression.
Exhibition Details
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Thota Vaikuntam: Iconic Telangana Figures Across Material Forms
By translating his iconic Telangana figures across diverse material forms, Thota Vaikuntam reaffirms his deep engagement with identity and cultural memory. The presentation at The Chanakya Imagine Atelier 2026 offers a nuanced dialogue between tradition and innovation-where craft, sculpture, and contemporary expression converge to keep cultural narratives alive and evolving.
