Two-Day National Dance Festival Brings Together Over 150 Performers
Eminent Classical Artists and Emerging Dancers Share the Stage
HYDERABAD, August 25 (The Journalist Post): The 15th edition of Nrithanrithyathi, an annual festival dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts and providing a platform for emerging performers, was held on August 22 and 23, 2026, at the Telangana Saraswatha Parishath in Hyderabad.
Organised by Nrithyathi Kalakshetram, Bengaluru, under the leadership of Dr. G. Ratheesh Babu and Ms. Rajashree Das, the two-day National Dance Festival and Competition brought together more than 150 participants from across the country, representing diverse traditions of Indian classical dance.
The festival was attended by several eminent personalities from the classical arts and cultural fields. The chief guests included Padma Shri awardee Smt. Deepika Reddy, renowned Kuchipudi exponent, and Vemaraju Vijaya Kumar, President of Navya Nataka Samiti, Hyderabad.
The evening performances showcased a rich variety of Indian classical traditions. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Kalaimamani Smt. Gopika Varma presented the character of Satyabhama through Mohiniyattam, offering audiences an evocative blend of expression, technique and storytelling.
A special Kuchipudi presentation by disciples of Padma Shri Smt. Deepika Reddy was also featured. Another thematic Kuchipudi presentation brought together Dr. G. Ratheesh Babu of Bhilai, Ms. Bijula Balakrishnan of Kozhikode and Ms. Rajashree Das of Bengaluru.
The festival further featured a violin recital by Ms. Prasiddha of Hyderabad, a Bharatanatyam performance by Ms. Amruta Jagam of Bengaluru, and a Kuchipudi presentation by Ms. Soumya Menon of Bhilai.
The organisers said the festival aims to create a common platform where established artists, emerging performers and young learners can interact, perform and develop their artistic skills. The initiative also seeks to encourage the younger generation to remain connected with India’s rich classical heritage.
With its 15th edition, Nrithanrithyathi continued its commitment to nurturing emerging talent while celebrating the diversity, depth and enduring cultural significance of Indian classical dance traditions.
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