LalitArpan Festival’s 23rd Edition set to begin on October 14

The 23rd edition of the LalitArpan Festival is set to take place on October 14 and October 15, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, starting at 7:00 PM each evening. The festival, a celebration of Indian classical performing arts, promises two days of mesmerising performances by some of the country’s most respected artists.

Founded in 2002 by Kathak maestro Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, along with Jyotsna Suri and the late tabla virtuoso Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, the LalitArpan Festival was created to provide a platform for young artists while promoting classical art forms.

Over the years, the festival has showcased more than 100 artists, blending the talents of rising stars with the expertise of senior performers, making it a unique stage for both tradition and innovation in classical arts.

Noteworthy performances on October 14 include “Stree Spandan: Why I Did What I Did,” presented by Shovana Narayan (Kathak), Gopika Varma (Mohiniyattam), and Sharon Lowen (Odissi). This abhinaya-based production explores the emotional upheavals of Mahabharata women characters, Kunti, Draupadi, and Gandhari, as they justify their actions to themselves amidst the tragedy of war. “Would they have acted differently? Were they winners or losers?” the performance asks, reflecting the unchanging experiences surrounding women through the ages.

On October 15, performances will include “Sapaad Pancha”, an Asavari group presentation featuring Pallavi Lohani, Komal Biswal, Suparna Singh, Mahima Satsangi, Anil Kumar, Ashish Kathak, Vishal Chouhan, and Mayank Gangani. Additionally, Praveen Parihar will present a Kathak recital, and Rama Vaidyanathan will perform Bharatanatyam. The festival promises “a visual extravaganza of graceful facial expressions, exquisite hand gestures, and energetic rhythmic patterns,” said the organisers.

When: 7 PM onwards, October 14-15

Where: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road