The historic courtyard of the Indian Museum is set to transform into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and melody as Diksha Manjari prepares for its annual Vasant Utsav celebration. In a vibrant curtain-raiser, the institution hosted a press meet and an exclusive rehearsal session, offering a glimpse into the grand spectacle directed by acclaimed Odissi exponent Dona Ganguly.

This year’s celebration holds a special significance as it brings together two stalwarts of Indian classical and semi-classical arts. Dona Ganguly, whose name is synonymous with the grace of the Kelucharan Mohapatra school of Odissi, joins forces with Dr. Ananda Gupta, a distinguished Tagore song exponent and the founder of Dakshinayan UK.

The collaboration promises a seamless blend of Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless seasonal compositions with the intricate footwork and fluid mudras of Odissi. During the rehearsal, Dr. Gupta’s evocative renditions of Rabindra Sangeet provided a soulful backdrop to the synchronized movements of over 500 students from Diksha Manjari.

The Indian Museum courtyard, with its majestic white pillars and open skies, serves as the perfect amphitheater for this Festival of Spring. The upcoming main event will feature a diverse repertoire, ranging from traditional Vasant Pallavi to contemporary interpretations of Tagore’s dance dramas.

Speaking at the rehearsal session, Dona Ganguly said, “This is an inclusive event where young people, along with the older individuals, come together to celebrate Holi. Many of my students have completed their exams and come rushing to take part in the event. They all love it. Like every year, there will be three sections. The first will be classical, then Rabindrasangeet, followed by Hindi and Rajasthani songs”.

Dr. Ananda Gupta’s involvement highlights the global reach of Bengali culture. As the Principal of Dakshinayan UK, his partnership with Dona Ganguly underscores a commitment to preserving the purity of Tagore’s philosophy while presenting it to a modern, global audience.

As the press meet concluded, the air was thick with the scent of early spring and the sound of ghungroos. For Kolkata’s art aficionados, the Vasant Utsab 2026 by Diksha Manjari is not just a performance; it is a celebration of heritage, color, and the eternal renewal of life.

The event will happen on 1st March at the Indian Museum Courtyard from 5 pm.

Priyanka Dutta