Basant Utsav: A celebration of classical dance

The Hindi Academy, under the Department of Art, Culture & Languages of the Delhi Government, is set to celebrate the arrival of spring with ‘Basant Utsav’ on March 8 and 9, at Basant Udhyan, Vasant Vihar. This annual dance festival, starting at 6:00 PM, will feature an array of renowned classical dancers and coincide with International Women’s Day, making it a vibrant tribute to both art and womanhood.

The festival’s opening night will showcase some of India’s most esteemed performers. Acclaimed Kuchipudi artist Yamini Reddy will present Shringara, a performance capturing the essence of love and beauty. Sindhu Mishra & Group will perform Navdurga, a Bharatanatyam piece celebrating the divine feminine. Kathak maestro Shovana Narayan will take the stage with Aayo Ri Basant, a rhythmic composition depicting the exuberance of spring.

On March 9, the festival will continue with captivating performances. Arshia Mathur & Kritika Kumar will present Shivoham, a Bharatanatyam recital invoking the divine energy of Lord Shiva. The legendary Dr Sonal Mansingh will narrate Krishna’s Natya Katha, a dance-drama inspired by Lord Krishna’s tales. The event will conclude with Shiva, an Odissi presentation by Ranjana Gauhar & Group, paying tribute to the cosmic dancer, Nataraja.

Adding to the grandeur, the festival will be inaugurated by Delhi’s Minister of Art, Culture & Languages, Kapil Mishra, with Anil Kumar Sharma, MLA, as the Guest of Honour. The event is expected to attract art connoisseurs, dance lovers, and cultural enthusiasts eager to experience India’s classical heritage.

Also Read: National Theatre Festival to begin from March 7

With its stellar lineup of artists and a thematic celebration of spring through Indian classical dance, ‘Basant Utsav’ promises to be an unmissable cultural spectacle.

When: March 8 to 9; 6:00 PM onwards

Where: Basant Udhyan, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi