‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’: A classical dance festival

Odissi exponent, Padmashree, and Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Awardee, Ranjana Gauhar, is set to host the 19th edition of the “Saare Jahan Se Accha” classical dance festival. This special event marks the 37th anniversary of the festival and will be held on August 13 and 14, 2024, at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, commencing at 7 PM.

Reflecting on the festival’s enduring legacy, Ranjana Gauhar shared, “Looking back on 37 years with Utsav, it fills me with a deep sense of fulfilment. ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ is our way of keeping the flame of Indian classical dance bright. This year’s program promises an evening of captivating performances steeped in tradition whereby senior established dancers and their disciples pay tribute and respect to the nation’s martyrs and achievers”.

The opening night will feature “Ksheer Sagar”, a musical dance drama that weaves together two Indian mythological narratives, “Chandrabhaga” and “The Matsya Avatar“. The performance will be brought to life by Utsav’s Repertory and Artistic Director, Guru Ranjana Gauhar.

The evening will be graced by distinguished guests, including Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh, former Rajya Sabha Member and renowned Odissi exponent; Padmashree and SNA Awardee Geeta Mahalik, Odissi dancer; and Padmashree and SNA Awardee, Shovana Narayan, Kathak dancer.

The second day will showcase an array of classical dance forms, featuring “Odissi” by the senior disciples of Guru Ranjana Gauhar, “Bharatanatyam” by the disciples of Dr Sandhya Purecha (SNA Awardee and Chairperson of SNA), “Kathak” by Guru Sangita Chatterjeree and disciples, and “Manipuri” by Guru Shyam Singh and disciples.

The Chief Guest for the evening will be Amb. Bhaswati Mukherjee, President of the India Habitat Centre, with Guests of Honour including Sunit Tandon, Director of IHC; Padmashree and SNA Awardee Geeta Chandran, Bharatanatyam dancer; Amarendra Khatua; and Pranaame Bhagawati.

This festival is a vibrant tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage, celebrating the art of classical dance and honouring the nation’s heroes through mesmerising performances. Attendees can expect a profound display of artistic excellence, representing the depth and diversity of Indian classical dance.

When: 7:00 PM onwards; August 13 to 14

Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi