This year, the festival will celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence as part of the initiative Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Utsav, founded by Ranjana Gauhar- Padmashree and SNA Awardee, has completed 35 years of its cultural journey in preserving and promoting the classical dance and music traditions of India, particularly Odissi. It has always been in the forefront of the country’s cultural scenario. It organizes major annual dance festivals such as Unbound Beats of India for upcoming and outstanding dancers, Su-Tarang to celebrate young dancers and the World Dance Day, while Saare Jahan Se Accha commemorates our nation’s Independence Day where senior and established dancers of the country pay their tribute to the martyrs and achievers of the nation. Talented artists in India and from abroad representing different genres of Indian classical dance perform at these festivals at Delhi’s most prestigious and popular cultural hubs to a discerning audience and rasikas, which is widely covered by the media.
On 17 August, ‘Nritya Dhara-a Tribute to India’s Cultural Heritage’ will be featured. It is choreographed and presented by Guru Ranjana Gauhar and disciples (Odissi), Guru Santosh Nair and disciples (Chhau), Guru Jayaprabha Menon (Kerala SNA Awardee) and disciples (Mohiniyattam), Guru Vidha Lal (Bismillah Yuva Puruskar) and disciples (Kathak) and Guru Mangoljao Singh and disciples (Manipuri).
The next day will feature Utsav Repertory- disciples of Padmashree & SNA Awardee Guru Ranjana Gauhar, Guru Shashadhar Acharya (Padmashree and SNA Awardee) and disciples – Saraikela Chhau, Gopika Verma (SNA Awardee) – Mohiniyattam, Guru Santosh Nair and disciples- Contemporary, Rashmi Vaidyalingam- Kuchipudi and Gauri Diwakar (Bismillah Yuva Puruskar)- Kathak.
When: 17-18 August, 7 pm
Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre
