As the Nishagandhi blooms yet again, surrender to the beauty and grandeur of Indian Classical Dance.
The capital city has yet again set the stage to glow in cultural euphoria. This year's Nishagandhi Dance Festival will be held from February 15 to 21, 2024 at the Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. Renowned dancers from all over India will present classical dance forms like Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri and many more.
The inaugural ceremony of the event will be held at 6.00 pm, followed by 'Amba', a specially choreographed Mohiniyattam performance by Kerala Kalamandalam Major Troupe at 6.30 pm.
The mesmerising event is held at the open-air Nishagandhi Theater, which is located within the famous Kanakakkunnu Palace Compound in Thiruvananthapuram. Organised by the Department of Tourism, this festival attracts a large number of spectators. The festival spans over seven evenings, each filled with enchanting performances that showcase the beauty and rhythm of life.
The concluding day on Wednesday, February 21, will include main attractions like Madhusmita Bora and Prerona Bhuyan's Sattriya performance at 6.00 pm, Padma Shri Malavika Sarukkai's Bharatanatyam at 6.45 pm, and Dr. Sinam Basu Singh and Group's Manipuri dance at 8.00 pm.
The programmes on all seven days will conclude with a Kathakali Melam that will be performed by leading exponents of the traditional Kerala dance drama.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Nishagandhi Puraskaram or Nishagandhi Award, which was instituted in 2013. The award is presented to outstanding performers in the field of dance, and the first recipient was the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai.
With the sound of anklets and the sway of dancers, the Nishagandhi Dance Festival promises a truly magical experience.
We invite you to join us in this celebration of art and witness the beauty of Indian classical dance in all its glory.
