Shashvat Nartana celebrates India’s classical dance heritage

The Department of Art, Culture and Languages and the Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi, hosted Shashvat Nartana – Celebration of Movements at Vasant Udyan, with the historic Bara Lao Ka Gumbad serving as a stunning backdrop. The event was organised to commemorate the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to celebrate India’s rich classical dance heritage.

The evening brought together all eight classical dance traditions of India — Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Chhau — performed by renowned artists and their distinguished troupes. The performances included a devotional Bharatanatyam Devi Stuti by AAYAM, the martial grace of Mayurbhanj Chhau by Ramhari Mohanta and group, lyrical Odissi by Madhavi Mudgal and group, lasya-rich Mohiniyattam by Jaya Prabha Menon and group, powerful Kathakali Purappadu by International Kathakali Centre, spectacular Kuchipudi tarangam by Raja Radha Reddy and group, rhythmic Kathak by Rani Khanam and group, and the Manipuri Raas Leela with Pung Cholom by Thiyam Shyam Singh and group. The evening concluded with Mangalam, a universal prayer for harmony and well-being.

Kapil Mishra, Delhi Minister for Art, Culture and Languages, said, “Delhi has always been at the confluence of cultures. With the PM’s vision of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’, we are reviving our monuments and turning them into living stories of Delhi’s identity. Events such as the Shashvat Nartana bring diverse cultural traditions together on one stage. Our aim is to make Delhi a centre of cultural expression and to ensure that heritage is not only preserved but celebrated as the soul of society. Through initiatives like monument conservation and cultural showcases, we hope to inspire today’s youth.”

Mishra also announced that the government would soon roll out a new policy to open major monuments for cultural and social activities, turning them into vibrant community hubs rather than static memorials. He said the initiative aimed to connect the youth with India’s timeless traditions while ensuring that heritage sites became living centres if cultural expression.