The evening of January 5, 2026, witnessed a refined celebration of India’s classical heritage at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, where Ragangali Academy of Performing Arts presented the much-acclaimed Mahanad Mahotsav 2026. The festival unfolded as a thoughtfully curated cultural offering, marked by artistic discipline, aesthetic depth, and an unwavering commitment to the purity of classical music and dance. For the audience of scholars, rasikas, and art lovers, the event proved to be a deeply enriching and memorable experience.
The program opened on an auspicious note with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Prof. Sheetla Prasad Shukla. The dignified presence of Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray—distinguished santoor exponent, composer, educationist, and Founder-President of Ragangali Academy—lent added significance to the occasion. Following the inaugural ritual, Prof. Shukla was formally felicitated and invited to address the gathering. In his eloquent and reflective speech, he highlighted the vital role of music in shaping social consciousness, emphasized the timeless relevance of India’s classical traditions, and lauded Ragangali Academy for its sustained contribution to cultural enrichment and artistic mentoring.
Established in 2016 in New Delhi, Ragangali Academy of Performing Arts functions as a registered cultural trust dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and propagation of Indian classical music and dance. Over the past eight years, the academy has emerged as a nurturing ground for emerging talent, offering rigorous training and prestigious performance platforms across vocal, instrumental, and dance disciplines. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, the academy has consistently supported economically underprivileged yet gifted artists. Its impressive record includes the successful organization of nearly 25 cultural festivals across India, featuring the participation of over 200 artists and significantly strengthening the nation’s cultural fabric.
The musical segment of the evening commenced with a compelling vocal recital by renowned classical vocalist Pandit Malyaban Chatterjee. He presented a khayal in Raga Bihagda, beginning with the vilambit composition “Piya Bina Jiyara” in ektaal, followed by the madhya laya bandish “Sajan Kahi Maan Le Tu.” His command over raga development, nuanced phrasing, and emotive expression held the audience spellbound. The recital concluded with a soulful Mand thumri, “Mora Soonapan Laage Piya Bin,” which delicately portrayed the sentiments of longing and devotion. The sensitive and accomplished accompaniment by Pandit Mithilesh Kumar Jha on tabla and Shri Lalit Sisodia on harmonium greatly enhanced the overall musical impact.
The second half of the program featured an evocative Kathak presentation by the eminent dancer Vidha Lal. Her production, “Drupad Vasanti Leela,” artistically depicted the advent of spring in Vrindavan and the celebratory divine love of Radha and Krishna. Set in Raga Basant and structured within complex rhythmic cycles of 14 and 9 beats, the performance reflected the aesthetic richness of the Jaipur gharana. The seamless integration of thaat, aamad, tode, tukde, paran, and tihai demonstrated both technical mastery and lyrical grace. The music was composed by her revered guru, Smt. Geetanjali Lal, while the choreography was conceived and executed by Vidha Lal herself, earning sustained appreciation from the discerning audience.
The festival concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the artists, dignitaries, supporting organizations, and audience members. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, GAIL (India) Limited, and India Habitat Centre, Mahanad Mahotsav 2026 stood as a luminous example of artistic integrity and cultural continuity. The event was conducted with grace and precision by Smt. Shashiprabha Tiwari, whose poised anchoring complemented the dignified tone of the evening.
