New Delhi: Art lovers in the nation’s capital city are in for a spectacular treat as Utsav Educational and Cultural Society-Ranjana’s Odissi Dance Academy is all set to present the 21st edition of its flagship cultural festival ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha 2026’ at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on August 10th and 11th, 7.00 PM onwards, in the run-up to the nation’s 80th Independence Day.
Conceived in 2005 by Padma Shree and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Guru Smt Ranjana Gauhar, the festival was envisioned as a heartfelt artistic tribute to India’s Independence.
What began as a labour of love has, over the past two decades, blossomed into one of the country’s most respected cultural platforms, drawing together legendary maestros, accomplished performers, promising young talent and discerning art lovers from India and across the globe.
One of the festival’s hallmark has been its tradition of honouring eminent artists and cultural luminaries whose lifelong dedication has flourished India’s artistic heritage and strengthened its cultural fabric.
Over the years, ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ has honoured an illustrious galaxy of personalities, including Padma Vibhushan and former Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow Smt. Saroja Vaidyanathan, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Smt. Shovana Narayan, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Smt. Madhavi Mudgal, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Smt. Geeta Chandran, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Smt. Geeta Mahalik, and Padma Shri Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, among many other distinguished personalities.
Through these honours, the festival not only celebrates excellence but also passes the torch to future generations, inspiring them to carry India’s rich artistic legacy forward.
Spread over two evenings, beginning at 7.00 PM each day, the festival promises to pull out all the stops with a thoughtfully curated repertoire of performances.
The highlight of the inaugural evening will be the presentation of prestigious ‘Utsav Samman’, followed by a spectacular dance production by the Utsav Educational and Cultural Society repertory. This year’s ‘Utsav Samman’ will be conferred upon Padma Shri and SNA awardee and Manipuri dance exponent Guru Smt Darshana Jhaveri, renowned Odissi maestro and SNA awardee Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and eminent lawyer, actress and accomplished Kuchipudi dancer Smt Rashmi Vaidialingam, in recognition of their lifelong dedication to India’s performing arts.
The cultural segment of the evening will witness a visually captivating Odissi production ‘Chitrangada-The Warrior Princess’, directed and choreographed by Guru Smt Ranjana Gauhar and performed by the Utsav repertory, bringing Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless heroine vividly to life.
The second evening promises to be a feast for connoisseurs of classical dance. It features a captivating Odissi dance recital by SNA awardee Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and disciples, an elegant Bharatanatyam dance recital by Padma Shri and SNA awardee Guru Ananda Shankar Jayant and disciples and a dynamic Kathak dance recital by SNA awardee Guru Rajendra Gangani and disciples.
With the evocative theme “Vande Mataram: Bharat Ki Virasat, Bharat Ka Gaurav,” the festival, curated by Guru Smt Ranjana Gauhar, offers a heartfelt salutation to Bharat-its people, its traditions, its artists, and its timeless soul- celebrating a legacy that continues to stand the test of time.
Rooted in the vision of one of India’s foremost exponents of Odissi dance and a tireless cultural ambassador Guru Smt Ranjana Gauhar, the festival stands as a tribute to the nation’s artistic heritage. Year after year, the festival proves that culture remains the common thread weaving together the diverse tapestry of the nation.
