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The annual cultural celebration in the capital city, the Nishagandhi Dance Festival, turned Thiruvananthapuram into a beacon of cultural fervour, captivating residents and visitors alike with its week-long celebration. Inaugurated by Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas, the event showcased India's top classical dancers alongside emerging talents, enchanting the audience with diverse traditions of classical dance forms.
Highlighting contemporary trends in Indian classical dance, the festival provided a platform for up-and-coming artistes to showcase their skills and innovations to a discerning audience. The prestigious Nishagandhi Puraskaram was bestowed upon renowned Bharatanatyam exponent and choreographer Smt. Chitra Visweswaran for her exceptional contributions to the art form.
Mr Riyas emphasised the government's commitment to preserving diverse art forms and supporting artistes through cultural initiatives like the Nishagandhi Dance Festival. Minister for General Education and Labour Mr V. Sivankutty echoed this sentiment, underscoring the festival's role in nurturing classical art traditions and fostering both established and emerging talents.
In addition to captivating classical performances, the festival featured Kathakali Melam by leading exponents of the traditional Kerala dance-drama, adding to the cultural richness of the event.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology Shri G. R. Anil, along with other dignitaries including MLA Mr V. K. Prasanth, Mayor Smt. Arya Rajendran, and various government officials.
A stellar line-up of artistes, including Bharatanatyam luminaries such as Padma Shri Geeta Chandran and Padma Shri Malavika Sarukkai, Odissi dancer Arushi Mudgal, and Kathak exponent Tribhuwan Maharaj, among others, showcased their talents at the festival, further enriching its cultural value.
