Dance drama 'Stree Spandan' Indian classical dances among highlights at upcoming Lalit Arpan Festival

New Delhi, Oct 11 (PTI) The 23rd edition of 'Lalit Arpan Festival', showcasing the rich tapestry of classical performing arts through solo and group presentations, will return to the capital, starting October 14.
    The two-day festival, scheduled to be held at the India Habitat Centre (IHC), aims to exhibit a grand spectacle of performances pulsating with emotions and lively rhythms.
    It is organised by Asavari, a dance school run by Kathak maestro and Padma Shri awardee Shovana Narayan.
    The festival will open with dance-drama “Stree Spandan: Why I did what I did”, a contemporary take on three female characters of the Mahabharata – Kunti, Draupadi and Gandhari – and their emotional turmoil by Narayan (Kathak), Gopika Varma (Mohiniyattam), and Sharon Lowen (Odissi).
    "Every year, the festival comes up with new themes. This year, the Lalit Arpan Festival 2024 will exhibit a grand spectacle of performances pulsating with emotions and lively rhythms.
    "Through solo and trio creative presentations, renowned artists and torchbearers of their respective traditions will deliver an unforgettable performance on stage," said the organisers in a statement.
    The other highlights of the program include Kathak and Bharatanatyam dance recitals by artistes Parveen Parihar and Rama Vaidyanathan, respectively.
    Lalit Arpan Festival, the brainchild of Narayan, Jyotsna Suri, and the late tabla virtuoso Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, was conceived in 2002.
    It sowed the seeds to provide a platform to young artists as well as to foster confidence and make room in the realm of performing arts by making them participate along with eminent artists.
    The festival will come to a close on October 15.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)