Tourism News
Nishagandhi Dance Festival 2024 Captivates with Artistic Performances
The Nishagandhi Dance Festival 2024, a premier classical dance event organised by Kerala Tourism, took place at Kanakakunnu Palace Grounds, Thiruvananthapuram, bringing together some of India’s finest classical dancers. The festival, known for its celebration of diverse Indian dance traditions, was inaugurated by Health, Woman & Child Development Minister Smt. Veena George, who also presented the Nishagandhi Puraskaram to Pandit Rajendra Gangani, an eminent Kathak exponent, in recognition to his contributions. The honor included a cash prize of Rs.1,50,000, a citation, and a memento.
Alongside the festival, a Kathakali Mela was held, featuring daily performances by celebrated Kathakali artists at Kanakakunnu Palace. In her address, Smt. Veena George highlighted the festival’s role in promoting cultural diversity and commended Kerala Tourism for its efforts in revitalising the tourism sector post-pandemic. She acknowledged the Kathakali Mela as a valuable initiative in preserving Kerala’s artistic traditions and emphasised the importance of supporting such cultural events.
The inaugural function was attended by Shri A.A. Rahim, MP, District Panchayat President Shri Suresh Kumar, Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, and Tourism Additional Director (General) Vishnuraj P. Bharatanatyam exponent Rajashree Warrier was also present. Following the formal proceedings, the audience enjoyed a Bharatanatyam performance by Punyah Dance Company, led by Parshwanath S. Upadhye & Adithya P.V. The evening concluded with a Kathak recital by Pandit Rajendra Gangani & Group, captivating spectators with their intricate movements and expressive storytelling.
The Nishagandhi Dance Festival 2024 featured an exceptional lineup of performances, bringing together acclaimed artists from across India. The festival showcased Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Sattriya and Mohiniyattam, offering audiences a glimpse into the richness of Indian classical dance. The Kathakali Mela, held alongside the festival, presented celebrated works such as ‘Bali Vadham’, ‘Kalayanasougandhikam’, ‘Baka Vadham’, ‘Nala Charitham Randam Divasam’, ‘Kamsa Vadham’, ‘Uthara Swayamvaram’, and ‘Rukmangada Charitham’. The festival was open to the public with free entry, allowing audiences to witness the grandeur of India’s classical dance heritage.
The event was noted for performances by leading classical dancers. On February 15, Odissi artists Bidya Das & Lucky Prajna Pratisthita Mohanty performed, followed by Amrita Lahiri’s Kuchipudi recital and Dr. Methil Devika’s Mohiniyattam presentation. On February 16, Sandra Pisharody performed Mohiniyattam, followed by Vidhya Subramanian’s Bharatanatyam and Vyjayanthi Kashi & Prateeksha Kashi’s Kuchipudi recital. On February 17, the festival featured Kuchipudi by Lekshmi Reghunath, Bharatanatyam by Dr. Janaki Rangarajan and Kathak by Hari & Chethana.
On February 18, the lineup included Bharatanatyam by Amritha Jayakrishnan, Sattriya by Anita Sharma and Kuchipudi by Sreelakshmi Govardhanan & Group. On February 19, Aishwarya Meenakshi presented Kuchipudi, followed by Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra, Odissi by Meera Das & Group and Bharatanatyam by Sunitha Vimal. The Nishagandhi Dance Festival 2024 concluded with a week of breathtaking performances, reaffirming its place as one of India’s most significant platforms for classical dance.
