A Grand and Memorable Celebration of Classical Arts: Mahanad Mahotsav 2026

The prestigious Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, resonated with the sublime vibrations of Indian classical music and dance on the evening of January 5, 2026, as Ragangali Academy of Performing Arts successfully organized Mahanad Mahotsav 2026. The festival emerged as an exquisite confluence of tradition, discipline, and artistic excellence, offering connoisseurs an enriching and unforgettable cultural experience.

The festival commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Prof. Sheetla Prasad Shukla, marking an auspicious beginning. The presence of Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray—eminent santoor exponent, educationist, composer, and Founder-President of Ragangali Academy—added distinct stature and gravitas to the occasion. Following the lamp-lighting ceremony, Prof. Shukla was felicitated and delivered an insightful and inspiring address. In his speech, he eloquently reflected on the social relevance of music, the continuity of India’s classical traditions, and the sustained cultural contributions of Ragangali Academy in nurturing and promoting artistic excellence. His thoughtful observations were warmly received and widely appreciated by the audience.

Founded in 2016 in New Delhi, Ragangali Academy of Performing Arts is a registered cultural trust dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of India’s rich heritage of classical music and dance. Over the past eight years, the academy has established itself as a credible and respected platform for emerging talent, offering high-quality training and performance opportunities in vocal music, instrumental music, and dance. With a special commitment to supporting economically underprivileged yet talented artists, the academy has organized nearly 25 cultural festivals across various cities in India, featuring more than 200 artists and contributing significantly to the national cultural landscape.

The first performance of the evening featured renowned vocalist Pandit Malyaban Chatterjee, who presented a soulful khayal in Raga Bihagda. His rendition of “Piya Bina Jiyara” in vilambit ektaal and “Sajan Kahi Maan Le Tu” in madhya laya ektaal captivated the audience with its depth, emotional intensity, and refined aesthetics. This was followed by a poignant Mand thumri, “Mora Soonapan Laage Piya Bin,” which beautifully evoked the nuances of shringara and viraha rasa. Pandit Mithilesh Kumar Jha of the Banaras gharana on tabla and Shri Lalit Sisodia on harmonium provided sensitive and accomplished accompaniment, further enhancing the musical experience.

The second presentation of the evening showcased the graceful artistry of acclaimed Kathak dancer Vidha Lal, who performed “Drupad Vasanti Leela.” The composition vividly portrayed the arrival of spring in Vrindavan and celebrated the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Structured in rhythmic cycles of 14 and 9 beats, the performance exemplified the Jaipur gharana style through a refined interplay of thaat, aamad, tode, tukde, paran, and tihai. Set in Raga Basant, the music was composed by her guru, Smt. Geetanjali Lal, while the choreography was crafted by Vidha Lal herself. Her expressive abhinaya, rhythmic precision, and aesthetic balance earned sustained applause from the audience.

At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the artists, dignitaries, partner institutions, and the audience for their support and participation. Organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, GAIL (India) Limited, and India Habitat Centre, Mahanad Mahotsav 2026 stood as a powerful testament to the dignity, continuity, and vitality of Indian classical traditions. The program was seamlessly and gracefully conducted by Smt. Shashiprabha Tiwari, whose poised anchoring added to the overall elegance of the evening.

Overall, Mahanad Mahotsav 2026 reaffirmed the enduring relevance of classical arts in contemporary society and highlighted Ragangali Academy’s unwavering commitment to cultural excellence and artistic integrity.