Singapore, 16 August 2026: Singapore’s arts calendar will come alive with the colours, rhythms and storytelling traditions of Indian classical dance as Guru DebaPrasad Nrutya Dhara presents PRATIDHWANI – NRUTYAUTSAV 2026 on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT.
Bringing together accomplished practitioners of Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Kathakali, the festival promises an evening that celebrates both the richness of India’s classical dance heritage and the stories and traditions that continue to connect generations.
‘Godhuli’ – Reviving Forgotten Traditional Games Through Odissi
A major highlight of this year’s festival is Godhuli, a new Odissi dance production presented through the choreographies of Padma Shri Guru Aruna Mohanty.
The production takes audiences on a nostalgic journey into traditional Odia games that were once an integral part of community and childhood life but are gradually disappearing from contemporary memory.
Through dance and storytelling, Godhuli revisits games including Laudi Khela, Kabadi, Andha Putuli, Puchi Khela and Kaudi Khela, while also incorporating elements of Loka Katha or traditional folk narratives.
The programme will additionally feature Odissi presentations including Nataraja (Beginning Shloka), Mangalacharan, Sthayee and Pallavi, showcasing the grace, expression and rhythmic sophistication of the classical form.
Women of the Dwapara Yuga
Another distinctive segment of Pratidhwani – Nrutyautsav 2026 is “Women of the Dwapara Yuga”, bringing together interpretations of powerful female characters from Indian mythology through different classical dance traditions.
Yashoda will be portrayed by Guru Naina Arani through Kathak, representing Kalpavriksha, while Radha will be presented in Odissi by Shrimati Sasmita Pal of Guru Debaprasad Nrutya Dhara.
Guru Meera Balasubramanian of Kalpavriksha will interpret Yagnaseni/Draupadi through Bharatanatyam, while Dr Ganesh Neelakanta Iyer will bring the character of Putana to the stage through Kathakali.
By presenting these characters through different classical vocabularies, the production offers audiences an opportunity to experience the diversity of Indian dance while exploring the emotional and dramatic dimensions of some of its enduring stories.
A Meeting of Classical Traditions
While Odissi remains at the heart of the festival, Pratidhwani – Nrutyautsav 2026 expands its artistic canvas through guest performances in Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Kathakali.
The coming together of multiple classical traditions on one stage makes the festival particularly appealing not only to established followers of Indian classical dance, but also to families and younger audiences discovering these art forms.
The event is a Singapore Culture Pass-approved programme and is supported by the National Arts Council Singapore, further contributing to Singapore’s vibrant multicultural arts landscape.
Event Details
PRATIDHWANI – NRUTYAUTSAV 2026Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMGuest seating: By 6:45 PMVenue: KC Arts Centre – Home of SRTTickets: S$35, inclusive of booking feeSG Culture Pass: Approved
Tickets can be booked through SISTIC.
For lovers of Indian classical arts—and for anyone interested in discovering the stories, traditions and memories preserved through dance—Pratidhwani – Nrutyautsav 2026 promises to be a memorable cultural evening in Singapore.
Ticket booking: Pratidhwanit – Nrutyautsav 2026 on SISTIC