Dilip Guha, New Delhi: The third edition of Delhi Kala Utsav at Rabindra Bhavan brought a vibrant celebration of India’s artistic and cultural diversity to the heart of the capital. Organised by Sanskar Bharati, Delhi Prant, in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, the two-day festival was held on 28 February and 1 March at Mandi House. The event aimed to unite diverse streams of Indian art, culture and tradition on a single platform, offering audiences the opportunity to witness performances by both renowned artists and emerging talents.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India; Shri Vijender Gupta, Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly; Shri Vijay Kumar, All India Sah-Vyavastha Pramukh & Regional Organisation Minister, Sanskar Bharati; and Shri Ashok Tiwari, National Executive Member, Sanskar Bharati. The dignitaries highlighted the importance of such initiatives in preserving and promoting India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Their presence underscored the growing institutional support for cultural initiatives in the national capital.
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The festival featured a wide spectrum of artistic expressions, ranging from classical and folk dance performances to musical concerts, vocal recitals, theatre presentations and poetry sessions. Art enthusiasts also explored painting and sculpture exhibitions alongside traditional crafts. Attractions such as puppetry, bioscope shows, pottery demonstrations, Bahurupiya performances, magic shows, lacquer bangle craftsmanship and curated book stalls have added to the festive atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into India’s rich folk heritage.
Having earned appreciation in its previous editions, Delhi Kala Utsav has steadily strengthened its identity as a cultural platform dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian artistic traditions. Alongside established performers, the festival continues to provide meaningful exposure to young and upcoming artists who often lack mainstream opportunities.
A major highlight of this year’s edition was the inclusion of traditional Delhi-6 cuisine, offering visitors authentic flavours of Old Delhi at nominal prices. This culinary segment, popular in earlier editions, draws significant crowds once again. The festival creates an immersive cultural experience for families, students and art lovers, transforming Mandi House into a lively celebration of India’s colours, sounds and traditions.
The festival showcased a vibrant confluence of classical music, dance, folk performances, theatre, poetry, and traditional art forms across both days. Renowned santoor maestro and composer Pandit Abhay Rustam Sopori presented a special performance of *Raag Bharati*, a newly composed raga, which received immense appreciation from the audience. Ms Vidhi Sharma captivated listeners with her melodious presentation of traditional Holi songs.
The Delhi Kala Utsav, which gives a powerful and dignified voice to Delhi’s cultural consciousness, was organised with great reverence under the aegis of Sanskar Bharati. As part of this esteemed festival, Shri Prannath Kala Sangam Foundation presented a soulful rendition of the Sanskar Bharati theme song on day one.
This presentation featured twelve artists, including the institution’s students and its Guru and Founder, Dr Avnish Tyagi. The collective singing conveyed a powerful message of dedication toward the nation, culture, and values, resonating deeply with the audience.
On the second day, the same group of artists once again take the stage with performances imbued with patriotic and devotional sentiments, presented in diverse languages and musical styles. The program includes the Kannada patriotic song “Namma Tai Bharati, Namma Hindu Samskruti”, the devotional bhajan “Man Lago Mero Yaar Fakiri Mein”, the folk-inspired Holi composition “Ankhiyan Parat Gulal”, and the grand finale featuring the complete collective rendition of “Vande Mataram”. This concluding presentation stands as a powerful symbol of national unity and cultural harmony.
Shri Prannath Kala Sangam Foundation is a dedicated cultural institution continuously working toward the preservation, promotion, and training of Indian classical and folk arts. The foundation aims to strengthen Indian artistic traditions, moral values, and national consciousness through its students and artists. Through regular training, stage performances, and socio-cultural programs, the foundation provides a value-based platform for nurturing young talent. The foundation’s performances at the Delhi Kala Utsav are not only exemplary of artistic excellence but also vividly embody the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
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The young Kathak students of Mantra Dance Classes delivered a captivating performance, leaving the audience spellbound with their grace and discipline.
Rakhi Chakraborty, a resident of West Delhi and a dedicated Kathak exponent, has nurtured a passion for dance since childhood. She received formal training in the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak under the guidance of Guru Pt. Onkar Nath Maharaj Ji is mastering the intricate nuances of the classical form. In recognition of her dedication and contribution to the arts, she was conferred the prestigious “Guru Samman” by Sanskar Bharati, “Nari Samman award” by Andhra association, and a “Guru Samman” by Prannath Kala Kendra.
Chakraborty currently runs Mantra Dance Classes in Sagarpur, where she not only trains aspiring dancers but also provides opportunities for underprivileged children to learn and excel in classical dance. At the Delhi Kala Utsav, her young disciples presented a remarkable Kathak performance on the renowned Tarana composed by Birju Maharaj. The presentation also featured a dynamic rendition set to the powerful composition “Garaj Garaj,” showcasing rhythm, expression, and technical precision.
Sanskar Bharati’s Delhi Kala Utsav drew a large gathering of connoisseurs and art enthusiasts, showcasing a captivating celebration of Indian culture. Participating in the event, Chakraborty, a proud mentor, said, ‘Today’s program was truly captivating, with a remarkable turnout of knowledgeable and talented individuals. It was a thoroughly immersive Indian cultural experience, and I’m thrilled to have shared the stage with my students.”
Artist Aditya Shankar Prasad, who completed his Fine Arts degree from Patna University in 2001, has dedicated more than two decades to the field of painting, focusing primarily on themes that explore the relationship between nature and technology.
Prasad’s current exhibition, titled Rakshassuyara, reflects his deep concern about the growing impact of technology on the natural world. One of the key artworks in the display portrays a deer entangled in threads, symbolising how technological advancement is increasingly trapping and destroying nature. Through this powerful imagery, the artist aims to raise awareness about environmental degradation.
Speaking about his recent participation in an art camp and workshop, Prasad described the experience as “unique and beautiful.” He shared that the camp focused on live artwork, allowing artists to create in real time. His subject for the live painting session was *Swadeshi*, a theme he continues to develop in his work. Prasad mentioned that he was introduced to the camp by Jitendra Sir and Rakhi Madam, whose encouragement enabled his participation in the event.
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Dhanarani Devi Lamabam, a distinguished Manipuri classical dancer and cultural ambassador, has devoted her life to preserving and promoting Manipuri dance traditions in India and abroad. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has represented the art form at numerous prestigious cultural programmes across the country and on international platforms.
She is the founder of the acclaimed cultural troupe Panthoibi Jagoi Marup, which has been instrumental in showcasing traditional Manipuri performances to diverse audiences.
At the Delhi Kala Utsav, the group’s notable presentations were beautifully rendered, the Lai Haraoba dance, including the celebrated Khamba Thoibi dance. Lai Haraoba, meaning “merry-making of the gods,” is a traditional Meitei ritual festival dance from Manipur known for its spiritual significance and graceful movements.
Through her performances and mentorship, Lamabam has nurtured generations of aspiring dancers, strengthening the legacy of Indian classical dance while elevating Manipuri culture on the global stage.
Established in 2007, GAMAK MUSIC ACADEMY was founded with the vision of providing a dedicated platform to nurture emerging talent across diverse musical forms while also creating meaningful career opportunities for aspiring artists. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as one of Delhi’s leading music academies.
Under the mentorship of Dr Ajeet Singh, students delivered a captivating cultural presentation that began with a melodious welcome song, complemented by a distinctive jugalbandi—a vibrant instrumental fusion of Indian classical instruments. The program featured soulful renditions of Thumari, a festive Holi composition, and an energetic Tarana. The evening concluded with inspiring Ram Bhajans performed by the academy’s junior group, leaving the audience deeply moved and appreciative of the students’ artistry and dedication.
Dr Ajeet Singh, who holds a PhD from the University of Delhi, is an acclaimed music educator teaching students across Nigeria, Australia, the United States, and other countries through online platforms. He is the author of Hindustani Sastriya Sangeet o Samajik Parivartan and has received honours for his contribution to Indian classical music, including recognition from Sanskar Bharati.
Among the theatrical performances, the play “Besahara Aurat”, directed by Shri Pradeep Kukreja, received special acclaim. The poetry symposium held during the festival continued to be a major attraction, where eminent poets moved audiences with their compositions. One of the most unique highlights of the event was Vrindavan Ki Phoolon Ki Holi, presented by Charkula Arts Academy, which deeply connected the audience with the cultural traditions of Holi.
Notably, Delhi Kala Utsav 2026 was organised with the support of the Government of Delhi, along with the participation of Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy, Lalit Kala Akademi, and various cultural institutions, making it a collaborative cultural platform for the capital’s art community. Organised ahead of the Holi festival, the event offered visitors an opportunity to experience India’s vibrant folk traditions and cultural colours, allowing audiences to witness the living heritage of Indian culture up close. Several distinguished personalities from the fields of art and culture were also present at the program.
The event was curated by noted playwright Shri Jaiprakash Singh. A key feature of Delhi Kala Utsav was that it was not a commercial or profit-oriented event, but a cultural initiative dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of India’s artistic traditions. Along with established artists, the platform also provided opportunities to emerging talents who otherwise may not receive adequate exposure.
Shri Prabhat Kumar, President, Sanskar Bharati, Delhi Prant, expressed his gratitude to all artists, guests, collaborators, and attendees for making the event successful. He stated that such initiatives serve as a strong medium to reinforce Indian cultural values in society and also shared that efforts are underway to make the festival even more expansive and grand in the coming year.
Visitors also enjoyed folk art displays, participation of traditional artisans, puppet shows, handicraft exhibitions, and traditional delicacies from Old Delhi (Delhi-6). The enthusiastic participation of families, students, and art lovers added special vibrancy to the celebration.
The two-day Delhi Kala Utsav 2026 concluded successfully. The cultural festival not only attracted a large number of art enthusiasts over both days but was also widely appreciated as a memorable event due to its high-quality presentations.
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