The PARIJAAT Award Festival 2026, organised by Kala Kalp Sanskrutik Sansthan, brought together classical dance performances, recognition of emerging artists and a celebration of the Guru–Shishya Parampara at the Andhra Pradesh Bhawan Auditorium in New Delhi on 27 September 2026.
The festival provided a platform for established gurus, accomplished performers and young artists, highlighting the importance of preserving India’s classical and traditional arts while encouraging the next generation of practitioners.
Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Singh, Director, Centre for Professional Development in Higher Education (CPDHE), University of Delhi, attended the programme as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she emphasised the role of artists in preserving and carrying forward India’s cultural heritage. Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head, Janapada Sampada, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), also spoke on the richness of India’s folk and classical traditions and the contribution of grassroots cultural institutions in sustaining traditional knowledge.
One of the highlights of the evening was an Odissi presentation of Durga Stuti by Dr. Atasi Misra and the Kala Kalp Odissi Team. Drawing upon the devotional and expressive dimensions of Odissi, the presentation celebrated the divine feminine through the vocabulary of the classical dance tradition.
A Kathak presentation by Manish Gangani and the Kala Kalp Kathak Team added to the artistic diversity of the evening, bringing the rhythmic patterns, intricate footwork and expressive elements of Kathak to the stage.
The festival also recognised young and emerging practitioners through the Parijaat Award and Parijaat Ankur Award. Among the artists honoured were Hunar Kaur, Shreysha Singh, Kishan Kumar, Hari Karthik, Shounak Banerjee and Ashish Kumar Nayak, representing Bharatanatyam, Odissi, violin, ghatam and Hindustani vocal music. The recognition reflected the festival’s emphasis on encouraging artistic dedication across different disciplines of Indian classical music and dance.
Another significant part of the programme was the AAROHAN 2026 Prize Distribution Ceremony, which recognised participants in the initiative organised to encourage young artistic talent. The ceremony marked the culmination of AAROHAN 2026, providing recognition to aspiring artists and encouraging them to pursue further training and artistic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Atasi Misra, Founder Director of Kala Kalp Sanskrutik Sansthan, reflected on the relationship between Kala and Sadhana. She emphasised the importance of patience, discipline and sustained practice in an artist’s journey, encouraging young practitioners to respect their artistic lineage and regard recognition as an outcome of sincere dedication rather than an end in itself.
Mohit Madhav, Vice President of Kala Kalp Sanskrutik Sansthan, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting young artists and strengthening opportunities for cultural learning, performance and institutional collaboration.
The festival placed particular emphasis on the Guru–Shishya Parampara, acknowledging the role of gurus in transmitting artistic knowledge, values and traditions across generations. Through its combination of performances, awards and interactions, PARIJAAT 2026 sought to bring established practitioners and emerging talent onto a common platform.
Organised under the artistic direction of Guru Dr. Atasi Misra, with the support of the Kala Kalp team, the festival concluded with a renewed emphasis on nurturing young talent and sustaining India’s classical and traditional performing arts.
