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KalaYatra 2026: Delhi Festival Revives Guru-Shishya Tradition in Dance

The KalaYatra 2026 festival has commenced in New Delhi, curated by legendary dancer Sonal Mansingh. It brings together ten major dance institutions to present new choreographic works grounded in classical tradition. Mansingh emphasized the festival's role in reaffirming the essential guru-disciple tradition in the face of dominant social media and online learning. The event features performances by iconic artists and runs through late January at the Kamani Auditorium.

Key Points: KalaYatra 2026 Festival of New Choreographies Opens in Delhi

  • Curated by Padma Vibhushan Sonal Mansingh
  • Features 10 eminent dance institutions
  • Aims to counter social media learning trends
  • Held at Kamani Auditorium in Delhi
  • Presented by Delhi Govt & cultural centre
2 min read

KalaYatra 2026 kicks off in Delhi

Padma Vibhushan Sonal Mansingh curates KalaYatra 2026 in Delhi, featuring top dance institutions to uphold classical traditions against social media trends.

"In today's time... the guru-disciple tradition, rooted in Sanatan values, is the very soul of our nation. - Sonal Mansingh"

New Delhi, January 14

Indian classical dance enthusiasts are in for a cultural delight as KalaYatra 2026 commenced in Delhi on January 13.

Curated by Padma Vibhushan Sonal Mansingh, the festival brings together ten eminent dance institutions from across Bharat to present powerful new choreographic works rooted in civilisational wisdom and artistic rigour. It is presented by the Department of Art, Culture & Languages, Government of NCT of Delhi, and the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth).

Explaining the significance of holding the festival, Sonal Mansingh told the media, "In today's time, this has become far more important than ever before. Social media has grown dominant, people learn dance by watching it on YouTube and Instagram, and treat Google as their guru. In such an era, it becomes essential to repeatedly remind ourselves that the guru-disciple tradition, rooted in Sanatan values, is the very soul of our nation."

The inauguration witnessed the presence of senior government officials and distinguished dignitaries, cultural leaders, iconic artists such as Uma Sharma, Malini Awasthi, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Vanashree Rao, Geeta Chandran, Wasifuddin Dagar, Sharon Lowen, Saswati Sen, Ranjana Gauhar, among others, as per a press note.

The Festival of New Choreographies, KalaYatra 2026, is being held on 13th, 14th, 15th & 28th, 29th January 2026, opening every evening at 6:30 PM at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see our classical arts getting this platform. But I hope they also livestream some events for those of us who can't travel to Delhi. Art should be accessible. The message is important for the youth across the country.
A
Arjun K
What a stellar lineup of artists! Uma Sharma, Geeta Chandran, Malini Awasthi... it's like a who's who of Indian classical dance. Delhi is lucky. Will definitely try to catch a performance on the 28th.
S
Sarah B
I'm an exchange student from the US, and events like this are why I love India. The depth of the culture is astounding. Sonal Mansingh's point about social media vs. traditional learning is fascinating. It's a global issue.
V
Vikram M
While I respect the tradition, I feel we must be careful not to completely dismiss online learning. For many in small towns without access to a proper guru, YouTube is a starting point. The festival is fantastic, but let's also embrace technology to spread our art.
K
Kavya N
"Rooted in civilisational wisdom" – this phrase gives me goosebumps! Our classical dances are not just performances; they are living libraries of our history, philosophy, and values. More power to KalaYatra! 🇮🇳

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