New Delhi: Art lovers in the nation’s capital city are in for a spectacular treat as Patitapawan Kala Niketan, one of the oldest Odissi dance institutions in India, is all set to host its much-awaited ‘Shraddhanjali Festival’ at Stein Auditorium, India Habitant Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on May 4, starting from 5 pm.
Established in 1987 by Late Guru Pravash Kumar Mohanty, Patitapawan Kala Niketan has, over the years, carved out a niche for itself in the cultural landscape. Its annual festival is something connoisseurs eagerly look forward to.
This year’s festival is no exception.
The evening is set to unfold like a neatly and carefully woven tapestry of scintillating performances.
Carrying forward its tradition, the festival will also shine the spotlight on stalwarts who have devoted their entire lives for the cause of art. This year, Mardala maestro Guru Prafulla Kumar Mangaraj will be honoured with ‘Guru Samman Award 2026’ and Odissi exponent Gayatri Ranbir, daughter of Padma Shri Guru Durga Charan Ranbir, will receive ‘Guru Pravash Award 2026’.
The cultural evening features an impressive line-up: solo Odissi recitals by Guru Sangeeta Mohanty and Gayatri Ranbir, group Odissi performances by the artistes of Patitapawan Kala Niketan, Mohiniyattam by the artistes of Centre for Mohiniyattam, New Delhi and Kathak by the artistes of Alkananda Institute for Performing Arts, Noida.
Adding star power to the evening, distinguished guests such as Director General of Meteorology in the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Odissi exponent Padma Shri Guru Geeta Mahalik, Mohiniyattam exponent Padma Shri Guru Bharti Sivaji and member of academic council OSOU, Government of Odisha, Dr Debendra Majhi will grace the evening.
Similarly, to make the festival an enjoyable one, the persons who are pulling out all the stops are its three directors: Syed Md Danish (Secretary), Guru Prakash Kumar Mohanty(Principal) and Guru Sangeeta Mohanty (Dance Director).
The organisers have made the festival’s entry free, though attendees are advised to arrive early to grab a seat.
With such a rich line-up on the cards, this year’s festival is all set to strike a chord with art enthusiasts and leave them captivated.
