The curtains rose on KalaYatra 2026 Delhi on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This five-day cultural odyssey features ten eminent dance groups from across Bharat. Each group showcases the vibrant diversity of India’s classical heritage.
The festival celebrates traditional Indian dances and Sanatan history through contemporary expressions. Dr. Sonal Mansingh, the visionary curator, emphasises that innovation should never break from tradition. KalaYatra 2026 creates a unique space for young and senior artistes. Together, they engage with India’s cultural inheritance to present rich, modern narratives.
Leadership and Visionary Dialogue
The Curtain Raiser was graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Founder-President of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances and visionary curator of the festival, along with Shri K. Mahesh, Secretary, Art, Culture & Languages, Government of Delhi, NCT. On this occasion a distinguished panel of Gurus, choreographers, and cultural leaders representing diverse dance traditions of India also addressed the gathering. The speakers reflected on the relevance of new choreographies in traditional dance forms, the responsibility of Gurus in shaping cultural consciousness, and the importance of platforms that nurture artistic innovation while remaining anchored in Bharatiya values.
Dr. Sonal Mansingh described the event as a “civilisational dialogue.” She noted that new choreographies keep classical traditions alive and relevant. According to her, innovation becomes a continuation of tradition when it remains rooted in sacred wisdom.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sonal Mansingh said, “This festival of new choreographies is not merely a cultural event; it is a civilisational dialogue. New choreographies are essential to keep our classical traditions alive, responsive and relevant. When rooted in our sacred wisdom and lived realities, innovation becomes a continuation of tradition, not its rupture.”
She further emphasised that the Festival of New Choreographies 2026 is envisioned as a space where young and senior artistes alike engage deeply with India’s cultural inheritance, presenting narratives that speak both to timeless values and contemporary society.
About The Festival
The Festival of New Choreographies – KalaYatra 2026 will be held on 13, 14, 15, 28 and 29 January 2026, opening every evening at 6:30 pm at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. The festival welcomes all rasikas, art lovers and general audiences. KalaYatra, in its true essence, is a unique presentation of ten new choreographies, each created and presented by eminent dance institutions of India led by their Gurus. Curated by Dr Sonal Mansingh, the festival reflects India’s civilisational soul through narratives drawn from history, philosophy, social consciousness and lived cultural memory, expressed through varied classical dance forms.
Each speaker underscored the festival’s national character, the diversity of dance vocabularies being showcased, and the significance of Delhi as a cultural capital of India.
The Performance Lineup
13 January 2026 – Day 1
- Amrut-Manthan: A magnum opus directed by Dr. Sonal Mansingh featuring CICD artistes.
- Athijeevanam: Directed by Guru T B Jagadeesan, focusing on the theme of nature preservation.
14 January 2026 – Day 2
- Naadaswarupaam Devim Maami: A presentation by Prof. Deepti Omchery Bhalla.
- Girija Kalyana: A Shiva–Parvati Vivaha performance in the Yakshagana style.
15 January 2026 – Day 3
- Karna – Bound by Fate: Performed by Guru Vaibhav Arekar and the Sankhya Foundation.
- Sita Bibaha Bihar: A cultural presentation by Guru Bhabananda Barbayan and his group.
28 January 2026 – Day 4
- Duryodhana: Directed by Guru Ratikant Mohapatra from Odisha.
- Chakravyuha: A choreography presented by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra.
29 January 2026 – Day 5
- Saugandhikaharnam: Directed by Piyal Bhattacharya from Kolkata.
- Matrika: A choreography by the professional LGBTQ+ group, Rainbow Dance Troupe.
Five Decades of Cultural Excellence
The foyer of Kamani Auditorium hosts a pictorial exhibition. This display tracks the 49-year journey of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD). Dr. Sonal Mansingh established CICD in 1977. She envisioned it as a sanctuary for training, research, and social change.
CICD prepares students to coordinate body, mind, and spirit. The institution instils discipline, focus, and resilience. This training helps performers carry messages of harmony and peace to a global audience.
The Cultural Odyssey of Dr. Sonal Mansingh
Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh stands as one of India’s most iconic cultural personalities. Her lifelong work spans roles as a Guru, choreographer, scholar, and social activist. Consequently, her multifaceted contributions have earned her international acclaim and laurels from across the globe.
A Fusion of Art and Social Activism
Dr. Mansingh excels at linking philosophy, literature, and sculpture with India’s socio-cultural fabric. As a celebrated dancer, she uses her art to spark change. Specifically, she uniquely addresses critical issues through her performances, including: Environmental protection and ecological balance, Women’s empowerment and social justice, Jail reforms and river pollution.
Furthermore, her creative genius has led to path-breaking choreographies that inspire global audiences. To date, she has performed, lectured, and conducted workshops in over 90 countries.
Reviving Traditions Through Innovation
In addition to her social work, Dr. Mansingh’s vibrant creativity redefines traditional Indian dance. For instance, she famously revived the ancient art form of Natya-Katha. This style blends singing, narrative skills, and abhinaya (expression). By doing so, she brings history, literature, and social themes to life as a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Moreover, her renowned choreographies include Devi Durga, Draupadi, and Satyameva Jayate. Each piece reflects her deep engagement with Bharat’s ancient wisdom. Simultaneously, these works maintain a timeless resonance in the modern world.
Leadership and Global Recognition
Back in 1977, she founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD). As Founder-President, she has trained thousands of performers who carry the Indian cultural message worldwide. Because of her distinguished career, she has reached several historic milestones:
2003: She received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
2014: PM Narendra Modi selected her as a Navaratna for the Swachh Bharat Mission.
2018: She became the first classical dancer nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India.
2023: The Government of Assam conferred the Srimanta Sankardeva Award upon her.
Currently, she serves her second term as a Trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Additionally, she shares her expertise as a Visiting Professor at IIT Kharagpur.
Books and Documentaries
Several prominent works document her life and artistic journey:
- Devapriya – A Hindi biography by Yatindra Mishra.
- Sonal Mansingh: A Life Like No Other – An English biography by Sujata Prasad.
- Incredible India – Classical Dances of India – Authored by Dr. Sonal Mansingh.
- A ZigZag Mind – Authored by Dr. Sonal Mansingh.
- SONAL – A documentary film by Prakash Jha.
Prabha Gupta is a veteran journalist and civic thinker dedicated to the constitutional ideals of dignity and institutional ethics. With over thirty years of experience in public communication, her work serves as a bridge between India’s civil society and its democratic institutions. She is a prominent voice on the evolution of Indian citizenship, advocating for a national discourse rooted in integrity and the empowerment of the common citizen
