New Delhi,
ASAVARI’s Continuing Tradition 2025, held on 16 December 2025 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, marked a significant evening celebrating Kathak heritage, artistic lineage and pedagogy. The program honored the legendary composers Pandit Jwala Prasad and Pandit Madho Prasad, celebrated over five decades of Kathak contribution by Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, and featured the release of her biography, I Am a Fleeting Moment in Time.
The event highlighted the enduring relevance of the compositions of Pandit Jwala Prasad and Pandit Madho Prasad, which continue to inform Kathak repertoire and Guru Shovana Narayan’s choreographic work. Their musical legacy formed the artistic core of the evening.
Distinguished guests included Ambassador K. Nandini Singla, Director General, ICCR; Shri K. Satish Nambudiripad, Director General, Doordarshan; and Prof. K. G. Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre, underscoring institutional support for India’s classical traditions.
A key segment of the program was the release of Guru Shovana Narayan’s biography, authored by Maya Parijat, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Vinita Dawra Nangia, which offered insights into the guru’s artistic philosophy and journey.
The second half featured performances by senior disciples of Guru Shovana Narayan, presenting select compositions of Pandit Jwala Prasad and Pandit Madho Prasad. Their presentations were noted for musicality, restraint and adherence to the guru–shishya parampara.
Continuing Tradition 2025 also marked the culmination of the year-long celebrations of Guru Shovana Narayan’s 75th year, bringing together tribute, scholarship and performance. The evening reaffirmed ASAVARI’s commitment to preserving Kathak and sustaining the continuum of India’s classical arts.
