Ragangali Academy of Performing Arts presented an evening of refined artistic expression and cultural depth through Mahanad Mahotsav 2026, held on January 5, 2026, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The festival stood out as a celebration of India’s living classical traditions, seamlessly blending musical scholarship, aesthetic sensitivity, and disciplined performance. Marked by its high artistic standards and thoughtful programming, the event offered an immersive experience to an appreciative and discerning audience.
The festival commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Prof. Sheetla Prasad Shukla, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and art. The presence of Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray—eminent santoor virtuoso, composer, educationist, and Founder-President of Ragangali Academy—added intellectual and artistic gravitas to the inauguration. Following the formal felicitation, Prof. Shukla addressed the gathering, sharing insightful reflections on the role of classical music in nurturing cultural consciousness, preserving India’s artistic legacy, and fostering social harmony. He also commended Ragangali Academy for its consistent efforts in sustaining and expanding access to classical arts.
Founded in 2016, Ragangali Academy of Performing Arts is a registered cultural trust devoted to the preservation, promotion, and propagation of Indian classical music and dance. Over the years, the academy has carved a distinct identity by providing structured training and performance platforms to emerging artists across vocal, instrumental, and dance traditions. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, the institution has extended meaningful opportunities to economically disadvantaged yet meritorious artists. Its contribution is reflected in the successful organization of nearly 25 cultural festivals across various Indian cities, featuring over 200 artists and enriching the national cultural ecosystem.
The musical proceedings opened with a compelling vocal recital by the renowned classical vocalist Pandit Malyaban Chatterjee. His presentation of Raga Bihagda unfolded with a vilambit khayal, “Piya Bina Jiyara,” followed by a madhya laya composition, “Sajan Kahi Maan Le Tu,” both set to ektaal. His meticulous raga elaboration, tonal purity, and emotive depth captivated the audience. The recital concluded with a graceful Mand thumri, “Mora Soonapan Laage Piya Bin,” which poignantly conveyed the nuances of longing and devotion. Pandit Mithilesh Kumar Jha of the Banaras gharana on tabla and Shri Lalit Sisodia on harmonium offered sensitive and well-balanced accompaniment, complementing the vocalist’s artistry.
The second segment featured an aesthetically rich Kathak performance by the distinguished dancer Vidha Lal. Her presentation, “Drupad Vasanti Leela,” depicted the arrival of spring in Vrindavan and the joyous celebration of Radha-Krishna’s divine love. Structured within rhythmic cycles of 14 and 9 beats and set to Raga Basant, the performance showcased the refined vocabulary of the Jaipur gharana. The harmonious blend of thaat, aamad, tode, tukde, paran, and tihai reflected both technical brilliance and expressive subtlety. The music for the composition was created by her guru, Smt. Geetanjali Lal, while the choreography was conceptualized by Vidha Lal herself, earning prolonged applause from the audience.
The evening concluded with a gracious vote of thanks by Dr. Bipul Kumar Ray, who acknowledged the contributions of the artists, dignitaries, supporting organizations, and the audience. Organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, GAIL (India) Limited, and India Habitat Centre, Mahanad Mahotsav 2026 emerged as a dignified and meaningful affirmation of India’s classical legacy. The program was conducted with elegance and precision by Smt. Shashiprabha Tiwari, whose articulate and composed anchoring enhanced the overall experience.
