Posted on 4 September 2025:
KADAMBARI UTSAV 2025 | SUNDAY – 31ST AUGUST 2025 |
Kadambari Utsav: Celebrating the Grace and Legacy of Indian Classical Dance
KADAMBARI UTSAV IS MORE THAN A FESTIVAL—IT IS A RHYTHMIC HOMAGE TO INDIA’S CLASSICAL HERITAGE, CURATED WITH DEVOTION BY ODISSI VIRTUOSO KARISHMA AHUJA.
On August 31st, 2025, Seva Sadan, Bengaluru, came alive with rhythm, grace and devotion as Kadambari Utsav unfolded its annual celebration of Indian classical dance. Curated with care by the Kadambari School of Odissi Dance, the festival opened with spirited performances by its young disciples—radiant with energy and precision. What followed was a mesmerizing confluence of Odissi, Kuchipudi and Manipuri, each form weaving its own story of heritage and emotion. The audience, immersed in this visual symphony, responded with awe and admiration, bearing witness to a cultural offering that honored tradition while nurturing the future.
The morning unfurled with Mangalacharan, a sacred invocation choreographed by the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, setting the tone for a journey steeped in devotion and discipline. As the stage blossomed with Chowka steppings and a hymn to Goddess Lakshmi, the dancers—young and seasoned—moved in unison, their gestures echoing centuries of tradition.
The recital of Srita Kamala, drawn from Jayadeva’s 12th-century Geeta Govind, was a luminous offering, portraying Vishnu’s incarnations and divine virtues with poetic grace. Draped in resplendent Odissi attire, the performers embodied rhythm and reverence, each movement a tribute to their guru’s timeless choreography.
“To witness the youngest and most seasoned dancers move in perfect harmony—resplendent in traditional Odissi attire—was to see tradition breathe anew. But it was Guru Karishma Ahuja’s Arabhi Pallavi that truly stilled the moment. Despite organizing and mentoring, she stepped into the spotlight with lyrical grace and rhythmic brilliance, offering a performance that was not just scintillating, but soul-stirring.” — A. Prateesh, Art Critic & Connoisseur, Bengaluru.
The evening’s rhythm gently shifted into the ethereal as Shri Sudip Kumar Ghosh, the acclaimed Manipuri artist from Kolkata, graced the stage in a luminous portrayal of Lord Krishna. Draped in vibrant hues and adorned with traditional finery, his embodiment of Chandana Charchita Neela Kalebara—a poetic gem from Jayadeva’s Gita Govind—was a visual and emotional rapture.
Guru Rekha Satish ji’s Nrutyankura Ensemble brought a vibrant pulse to Kadambari Utsav’s sixth edition with their intricate Kuchipudi recital.
From the auspicious Ganesh Sruthi in ragam Natta to the lyrical Suryastakam and the spirited Tarangam of Saint Narayana Theertha, each piece was a tapestry of rhythm and grace. The dancers’ finale—balancing on brass plates with nimble precision—left rasikas spellbound.
The morning shimmered with added grace as Kadambari Utsav welcomed a constellation of eminent guests—Bharatanatyam exponent Smt. Preeja Mahendran, Kathak maestro Shri. Hari, and the revered Dhrupad vocalist Shri. Murali Mohan Gowda. Their presence lent the festival a quiet grandeur, bridging generations of classical excellence and affirming the spirit of unity across India’s rich artistic traditions.
With eminent guests gracing the occasion and heartfelt felicitations, the festival stood as a luminous confluence of classical traditions, beautifully anchored by compere Ms. Tannistha Ganguly.
Kadambari Utsav: A Sanctuary for Emerging Classical Talent
Kadambari Utsav, envisioned and curated by renowned Odissi artist Karishma Ahuja, is a radiant celebration of Indian classical dance and music that blossoms each year with fresh talent and timeless tradition. Since its inception in 2018, the festival has become a nurturing ground for emerging artistes, echoing Karishma’s own journey across prestigious stages—from Taiwan to Chidambaram and Agra. Her Kadambari School of Odissi Dance, with vibrant branches in Bangalore and Chennai, continues to shape graceful storytellers steeped in heritage. Whether performing at Mysore Dasara or interpreting the poetry of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee for Doordarshan, Karishma’s artistry and vision remain deeply rooted in cultural resonance and community upliftment.
Trained in the revered Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra style and currently guided by stalwarts Guru Ratikant Mohapatra and Guru Rajashree Praharaj, Karishma Ahuja’s artistry is steeped in lineage and innovation. With mentorship from her revered gurus, enriching her journey, she has shaped Kadambari Utsav into a vibrant platform that nurtures both emerging and seasoned performers—bridging generations through movement, melody and meaning.
