In association with Delhi Tourism, Kala-Tarangini 2026 will bring the rich traditions of Bharat to the capital through a special Sattriya dance-drama presentation
New Delhi, Aug 18: Kala-Tarangini: The Delhi Kala Festival 2026, a national-level celebration of India’s classical performing arts and living cultural traditions, will present a special production of Parijat Haran at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, on August 23, 2026 between 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Nishreyas and Vagambhrini, organizations engaged in the field of promotion of art and culture, are organizing this festival in association with Delhi Tourism, Government of NCT of Delhi. The Festival is being held from August 19 to 31, it places a special emphasis on the dance forms – Sattriya, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kathak, Chhau and Manipuri bringing the cultural heritage of Bharat to wider audiences.
The August 23 presentation of Parijat Haran is based on the celebrated Ankiya Nat composed by Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva. The production will showcase the distinctive artistic vocabulary of Assam’s Sattriya and Ankiya Nat traditions, bringing together dance, theatre, music, literature and devotion in a unique cultural experience.
Sattriya, one of India’s eight recognised classical dance traditions, has evolved over nearly five centuries and represents the deep cultural and spiritual heritage of Assam. Rooted in the Vaishnavite movement associated with Srimanta Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva, the tradition is distinguished by its synthesis of artistic expression, devotion, philosophy and community practice.
Through Parijat Haran, Kala-Tarangini aims to introduce Delhi audiences to the philosophical depth, devotional roots and continuing vitality of Sattriya, while highlighting the extraordinary synthesis of literature, music, theatre and dance within Assam’s cultural traditions.
Speaking about the festival, Prof. Rajnish Kumar Mishra, Chairman, Organizing Committee, Kala-Tarangini said, “Kala-Tarangini: The Delhi Kala Festival 2026 supported by Delhi Tourism is an expression of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, illustrating both the lineage and continuity of our living cultural traditions. The festival aims to bring together various cultural traditions and their artistic manifestations, presenting the diversity of Indian performing arts on a common platform.”
Kala-Tarangini will also extend its canvas to different regions of India, showcasing their distinctive cultural and aesthetic expressions and celebrating the diversity, continuity and artistic richness of Bharat. “This year, the festival is envisioned thematically around the classical dance traditions of India, with a special focus on Sattriya of Assam, alongside other major dance forms including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Manipuri and Chhau”, he adds.
The festival seeks to go beyond presenting classical arts merely as performances. It aims to position them as living knowledge traditions that need to be preserved, practised, interpreted and transmitted to future generations. It also seeks to strengthen cultural dialogue between the North-East and other regions of India and encourage greater participation of young people and students in India’s classical and traditional arts from India and abroad.
The August 23 event is expected to see participation from cultural enthusiasts, artists, scholars, students, practitioners and invited guests. The audiences can book free passes for the event through BookMyShow.