Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan,
The LalitArpan Festival, now in its 24th year, returns with the theme “Antah-Shakti: Courage and Hope”. This edition focuses on stories of resilience and personal transformation, presented through classical dance forms. Scheduled over two days, the performances will take place on October 8 & 9, 2025, 7:00 PM, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Organized by the dance institution Asavari, under the direction of Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, the festival continues its mission to bring together established and emerging artists, showcasing work that reflects both tradition and contemporary relevance.
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
AGNIPANKH – Kathak by Shovana Narayan & Shruti Gupta Chandra
A presentation based on the real-life experiences of three individuals — an autistic pianist, a transgender professional, and an acid attack survivor — all currently working in the hospitality sector.
Kathak Artist Shruti Gupta Chandra
Padmashri Shovana Narayan
SOLO KATHAK PERFORMANCE – By Nrityashree Alaknanda
A solo performance by cancer survivor Alaknanda, reflecting strength and clarity through classical movement.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
PARKAYA – Kathak by Akshobhya Bhardwaj
A solo work by Akshobhya, also a cancer survivor, exploring personal recovery and artistic growth through dance.
Kathak Artist Alaknanda
Kathak Artist Akshobhya Bhardwaj
RASHMIRATHI – Group production by Asavari
A dance drama based on the character of Karna from the Mahabharata, examining themes of identity, exclusion, and moral complexity.
Featuring: Komal Biswal, Pallavi Lohani, Suparna Singh, Mahima Satsangi, Ruchi Arya, Anil Kumar, Ashish Kathak, Vishal Chouhan, Mayank Gangani & Shovana Narayan.
The event is open to all and admission is free.
About the Festival – Established in 2002 by Shovana Narayan, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, and the late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, the LalitArpan Festival was created to support the development of young classical artists and to present a range of traditional and contemporary works. Over the years, it has featured over 100 performers across disciplines.
About Asavari – Founded in 1979 by Shovana Narayan, Asavari is a Kathak institution that combines classical training with creative exploration. The organisation engages in performance, education, research, and festival production, and remains committed to fostering a deeper understanding of Indian classical arts.
