SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) concluded a spectacular three-day classical dance festival at the enchanting amphitheatre of Sunder Nursery to mark World Dance Day & World Heritage Day. Held from April 18 to 20, the festival witnessed large and enthusiastic crowds on all three days, reaffirming the timeless appeal of Indian classical dance. The event was organized in association with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the NGO Sudha Sangini.
Shovana Narayan performing Kathak (Pic: Innee Singh)
The beautifully curated celebration featured daily performances by eminent artists across all eight classical dance forms, including Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Sattriya. The lush Mughal-era setting of Sunder Nursery created a stunning backdrop, heightening the spiritual and aesthetic experience for audiences.
Kaushalya Reddy on the nattuangam and Yamini Reddy performing Kuchipudi (Pics: Innee Singh)
The programme was inaugurated on April 18, and each day was graced by a legendary exponent of Indian classical dance as Guest of Honour, who also offered a reflective talk on the deeper meaning of dance. On Day 1, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Former MP, Rajya Sabha, spoke on the ubiquity of dance in nature and its role in elevating the human spirit. On Day 2, Padma Bhushan Dr. Uma Sharma emphasized the importance of abhinaya in classical dance traditions. On the final day, Padma Bhushan Dr. Raja Radha Reddy traced the historical journey of Indian classical dance and spoke about the foundational guru-shishya parampara.
Raja Radha Reddy and Sonal Mansingh were some of the chief guests
Bharatnatyam exponent Geeta Chandran
The festival featured a rich lineup of eminent artists, including Odissi exponent Madhavi Mudgal, Kuchipudi dancer Su. Yamini Reddy, Mohiniyattam dancer Vid. Bharati Shivaji, Kathakali dancer Thiruvattar B. Jagadeesan, Manipuri dancer Dr. Sinam Basu Singh & Konjengbam M. Devi, Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan, Bharatanatyam exponent Vid. Geeta Chandran, Sattriya dancer Su. Anwesa Mahanta.
Kathakali dancer Thiruvattar B. Jagadeesan and Mohiniyattam dancer Bharati Shivaji
Each performance not only captivated with technical precision but also offered a window into the philosophy and storytelling embedded in India’s classical heritage. The initiative was led by Suman Doonga, former National Vice Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, and Ratish Nanda, Chairperson of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, who played a key role in curating the experience in harmony with the heritage setting.
Kiran Seth
The spirit of nishkam seva (selfless service) that SPIC MACAY promotes was palpable throughout the event. The festival left behind echoes of rhythm, devotion, and cultural pride, a true celebration of Indian dance in all its classical grandeur.
Manipuri dancer Dr. Sinam Basu Singh & Konjengbam M. Devi
Sattriya dancer Anwesa Mahanta
