LalitArpan Festival: A two-day celebration of dance dramas and ensembles

The 24th edition of the annual LalitArpan Festival will present “Antah-Shakti: Courage and Hope” in New Delhi on October 8 and 9 at 7 PM at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre. The two-day festival will feature an array of dance dramas, ensembles, and solo performances by leading Kathak exponents and emerging artists, celebrating resilience, inner strength, and the human spirit.

The festival opens on October 8 with Agnipankh by Kathak maestros Shovana Narayan and Shruti Gupta Chandra, inspired by the true stories of three courageous young individuals—a pianist with autism, a transgender professional, and an acid attack survivor—all making their mark in the hospitality industry. Later in the evening, Nrityashree Alaknanda, a cancer survivor, will perform a solo Kathak recital reflecting the power and grace of human perseverance.

On October 9, Mumbai-based Kathak artist Akshobhya Bhardwaj, also a cancer survivor, will present Parkaya, a deeply personal performance that transcends physical limitations and explores inner transformation. The festival will conclude with Rashmirathi, an Asavari presentation on Karna, the valiant Mahabharata warrior. Featuring Komal Biswal, Pallavi Lohani, Suparna Singh, Mahima Satsangi, Ruchi Arya, Anil Kumar, Ashish Kathak, Vishal Chouhan, Mayank Gangani, and Shovana Narayan, the performance highlights Karna’s journey from outcast to fearless warrior, steadfast in his duty even amid moral dilemmas.

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Founded in 2002 by Kathak maestro Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, Dr Jyotsna Suri, and the late tabla virtuoso Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, the LalitArpan Festival was envisioned as a platform for young artists to perform alongside seasoned practitioners, fostering confidence and creativity in the performing arts. Over the years, organised by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers, the festival has presented over 100 torchbearers of Indian classical performing arts, offering audiences a rich tapestry of solo and group performances, dance dramas, and ensembles.

When: October 8–9, 7:00 PM onwards

Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi