The festival showcased seven unique Indian classical dance traditions, celebrating diversity.
Delhi witnessed a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural heritage as the Delhi Kala Festival 2026 presented Srimanta Sankaradeva’s classical dance drama Parijat Haran at the National School of Drama. The performance drew over 400 attendees and introduced Delhi audiences to Sattriya, one of India’s eight recognised classical dance traditions.
“This festival has gone beyond presenting classical arts merely as performances,” he said, calling for more initiatives that preserve and highlight India’s cultural legacy. National School of Drama Director Chittaranjan Tripathy said the institution was proud to host the festival, which brings together various cultural traditions on a common platform. Directed by Sumanya Kashyap and Dr. Sukanya Baruah, Parijat Haran portrayed Lord Krishna’s divine exploits through the contrasting emotions of Rukmini and Satyabhama, weaving together music, dance, drama and expressive storytelling to explore themes of love, jealousy, pride, devotion and surrender. Organised by Nishreyas and Vagambhrini in association with Delhi Tourism, the festival celebrates seven classical dance forms—Sattriya, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kathak, Chhau and Manipuri—highlighting India’s diverse performing arts traditions. Union Cabinet Minister Sarbananda Sonowal commended the festival’s approach.
