Delhi Govt organises Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav 2026
The Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav 2026 was inaugurated by Hon’ble Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, Padma Shri Guru Dr. Raja Raddha Reddy and MD & CEO, Delhi Tourism, on 2nd Oct, 26. The festival is known to celebrate the rich traditions of Indian classical dance against the historic backdrop of Delhi’s Purana Qila (Old Fort).
The festival provided a platform for over 150 dancers from India and abroad, showcasing a vibrant confluence of tradition, talent and creativity. The festival celebrates the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance and its profound cultural heritage.
The highlight of the festival was the light and sound show underlining the history of Indraprastha and Yamuna.
Deeply rooted in tradition, these dance forms are presented to contemporary audiences, bridging the gap between age-old artistic practices and modern sensibilities. The festival aims to enhance awareness and appreciation of India’s rich classical dance traditions among audiences in Delhi.
The second edition of the festival features the participation of distinguished gurus, eminent performers and emerging talents from across the country.
The festival brings together artists honoured with Padma Awards, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskars, along with Doordarshan’s top-grade artists and distinguished dancers and dance groups from India and abroad. Each evening will offer a rich cultural journey through rhythm, expression, emotion and movement, celebrating the diversity of Indian classical dance and its profound cultural heritage. The festival promises a special experience for art lovers and connoisseurs, as well as new audiences and visitors from India and abroad, offering a unique confluence of history, tradition and creativity.
For the people of Delhi and visitors to the city, the Indraprastha Dance Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience India’s rich classical dance traditions up close at a historic venue such as Purana Qila.
Artists and Dance Performances
Kuchipudi Natya Tarangini, Delhi Guru Padma Bhushan Raja Reddy and Radha Reddy, along with their troupe.
Odissi Malaysia Padma Shri Ramli Ibrahim.
Bharatanatyam Kalakshetra, Chennai Kathak — Dhwani, Delhi Guru Vaswati Mishra, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, along with her troupe.
Bharatanatyam Bengaluru Parshwanath Upadhye, recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, and Aditya P. V.
Sattriya Assam Guru Anita Sharma, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, along with her troupe.
Mohiniyattam and Kathakali Kerala Guru Pallavi Krishnan, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Kathak Pune Guru Shama Bhate, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, along with her troupe.
Folk Rhythms — Delhi
10. Odissi — Nrityagram, Bengaluru, Guru Surupa Sen.
11. Manipuri — Mumbai Guru Latasana Devi, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, along with her troupe.
12. Bharatanatyam — Specially Curated Finale Performance Guru Vaibhav Arekar, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav 2026 celebrates India’s rich classical dance heritage, bringing together renowned maestros and emerging artists on one prestigious platform.
Set against the historic backdrop of Purana Qila, the festival offers a unique cultural experience that bridges tradition and contemporary expression, strengthening appreciation for India’s diverse artistic legacy among audiences from India and abroad.
