Posted on 18 June 2026:

Akhanḍa–Dwādaśha Ghanṭā Nāda Yajña – A Sacred Kathak Offering in New Jersey

On June 20, 2026, New Jersey becomes the sanctum of an extraordinary spiritual and artistic odyssey—Akhanḍa–Dwādaśha Ghanṭā Nāda Yajña, a twelve-hour Kathak immersion led by Guru Pallavi Degwekar and her devoted disciples of Pallavi Kathak Gurukul. Rooted in the eternal principle of Nāda Brahma—sound as divine manifestation—this uninterrupted offering unfolds as both prayer and performance, rhythm flowing into devotion.

Inspired by Kathak luminary Pandita Shama Bhate, this rare undertaking—believed to be the first of its kind in the United States—resonates as a luminous testament to Kathak’s spiritual depth, where movement becomes worship and sound becomes the eternal bridge to the divine.

Commemorating the fifth anniversary of Nrityavali Gurukul (Pallavi Kathak LLC), the Yajña unites disciples, scholars, patrons and community in collective surrender to art.

Honored with a Proclamation from the Mayor of Edison Township, it celebrates Guru Pallavi’s enduring contributions to cultural preservation and education.

Graced by revered Gurus, distinguished artists, and community leaders from India and America, the gathering reflects the far-reaching resonance of Pallavi Kathak Gurukul’s vision—where art becomes devotion, and devotion becomes community.

“ At its heart lies the belief that rhythm, movement, and sound are not merely performative tools, but pathways to inner awareness, discipline, and collective transformation.” — Guru Pallavi Degwekar

Through twelve continuous hours of Kathak, recitation, and reflection, Guru Pallavi Degwekar and her disciples will rekindle the rare tradition of sustained artistic immersion. This luminous Yajña, marking the Gurukul’s fifth anniversary, honors five years of unwavering dedication to nurturing authentic Kathak across the United States.

Nrityavali Gurukul – Five Years of Kathak Devotion

Founded by Guru Pallavi Degwekar, whose devotion to Kathak spans over three decades, Nrityavali Gurukul has, in just five years, nurtured a vibrant community grounded in discipline, cultural learning, and spiritual inquiry.

“It offers an opportunity not only to reflect upon the Gurukul’s growth and achievements, but also to reaffirm its commitment to carrying forward the rich traditions of Kathak and the Guru-Shishya Parampara for future generations.” — Guru Pallavi Degwekar

Through visionary offerings like the Akhanḍa–Dvādaśa Ghanṭā Nāda Yajña, Guru Pallavi affirms Kathak as more than performance—an enduring practice of riyaz, reflection, and service, where rhythm becomes prayer and art becomes a lifelong path of devotion.

In New Jersey, on June 20, 2026, the Yajña will unfold as a rare act of collective surrender, where Kathak becomes the eternal bridge between sound and spirit.