Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : Delhi Tourism, Delhi Government, presented a three-day festival titled Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav, held from October 3–5, 2025, at the majestic historic Purana Qila (Old Fort).
This cultural event showcased India’s classical dance forms against the majestic backdrop of one of Delhi’s oldest monuments, featuring legendary artistes and emerging talents. The Purana Qila came alive with vibrant rhythms and the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance, celebrating and raising awareness of India’s rich artistic heritage.
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Organized in collaboration with Delhi Tourism and the Delhi Government, the festival offered a unique confluence of history, tradition, and creativity. Visitors were treated to a rich tapestry of rhythm, expression, and movement, enjoying performances by renowned artists and promising newcomers.
The festival was inaugurated by Sh. Kapil Mishra, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Government of Delhi. Ms. Niharika Rai, IAS, MD & CEO, was also present at the ceremony.
The inaugural edition featured a spectacular lineup of India’s finest dancers, including Padma awardees, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees, Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recipients, and top Doordarshan artists. Each evening offered captivating solo, duet, and scintillating group performances that drew enthusiastic applause.
Highlights included performances by Padma awardees Madhavi Mudgal (Odissi) and Jayarama Rao (Kuchipudi), as well as Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees Sujata Mohapatra (Odissi) and Neena Prasad (Mohiniyattam).
The Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav unfolded over three vibrant days from October 3 to 5, 2025, celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian classical dance. On October 3, the festival commenced with a spirited group performance by Maitreyee Pahari during the opening ceremony. This was followed by a graceful Odissi duet by Sujata Mohapatra and Preetisha Mohapatra, a dynamic Manipuri group presentation led by Bimbavati Devi, and a powerful Bharatanatyam ensemble by Sridevi Nrithyalaya.
October 4 featured a solo Kathak performance by Oishee Bhattacharya, a captivating Sattriya duet by Bedanta Bikash Dutta and Jyotishman Moran, a soulful Mohiniattam group piece choreographed by Neena Prasad, and a vibrant Kuchipudi group performance by Jayarama Rao and his troupe.
The final day, October 5, showcased a solo Kuchipudi presentation by Amrita Lahiri, followed by a mesmerizing Odissi group performance by Madhavi Mudgal and her ensemble. The festival concluded with a grand finale titled Kathak Parampara, mentored by the legendary Saswati Sen, bringing together leading Kathak dancers in a spectacular celebration of tradition and artistry.
Kuchipudi dancer and choreographer Amrita Lahiri presented Tarangam, a central piece in the Kuchipudi repertoire. While most tarangams are dedicated to Krishna, Amrita’s presentation was devoted to Goddess Durga, set to verses from the Shri Krishna Leela Tarangini, a 17th-century text by Shri Narayana Teertha.
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The performance depicted Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, culminating in the iconic pose of Mahishasura-Mardini. The piece also highlighted the goddess’s benevolence and joy-bringing nature. Amrita concluded with the signature Kuchipudi footwork performed on the edge of a brass plate.
This piece was choreographed by Jaikishore Mosalikanti and set to Raga Malika and Adithalam. Accompanying musicians included Aadarsh M Nair (vocal), MV Chandrashekar (mridangam), Jasmine Kaur (nattuvangam), and S. Vignesh (violin). Amrita Lahiri is a dancer and choreographer specialising in the Indian classical dance form of Kuchipudi. Passionate about dance, she has pursued the rigours and discipline of Kuchipudi since she was a child, while also diligently working to take this art form to wider audiences and expand artistic horizons.
A special program titled Kathak Parampara, choreographed by the world-renowned Saswati Sen, marked the festival’s closing of the inaugural edition of Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav. It featured leading Kathak dancers such as Deepak Maharaj, Gauri Diwakar, Monisa Nayak, Abhimanyu Lal, Sandip Malick, Souvik Chakraborty, Shailja Nalwade, Anasua Majumdar, Nidhi Prabhu, and Rudra Shankar Mishra. Featuring: Deepak Maharaj, Sandeep Mallik, Abhimanyu Lal, Rudra Shankar Mishra, Souvik Chakraborty, Gauri Diwakar, Shailja Nalwade, Monisa Nayak, Anasua Majumdar, Nidhi Prabhu.
The Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav was designed to attract everyone—from seasoned art lovers and cultural enthusiasts to curious newcomers and international visitors. A new tradition was inaugurated at the Old Fort, where the past inspires the future.
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