The Indian Council For Cultural Relations-Kolkata hosted the inaugural edition of the Classical Dance Festival- Nrityasamaroh. It was organized by South Kolkata Nrityangan, one of the city’s most recognized classical dance organizations. The students of South Kolkata Nrityangan performed an opening group dance to kick off the wonderful evening.

Legendary performers from various regions of India captivated the audience with their captivating performances. Guru Sandeep Mallik from Delhi Kathak Kendra, an outstanding “Kathak” artist, Guru GopikaVerma from Kerala, a Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee and exponent of “Mohiniyattam,” Guru Gajendra Panda from Odisha, a model Odissi performer, Smt. Bimbavati Devi from Kolkata, a well-known “Manipuri” exponent, and Sri Rajdeep Banerjee from Kolkata, performed at the event.

Smt. Jhinook Mukherjee Sinha, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and the founder of South Kolkata Nrityangan, one of Kolkata’s oldest dance schools, is credited with creating the idea for “Nrityasamaroh.” She is a student of Dr. Guru Smt. ThankamaniKutty who has often dazzled audiences all over the world with her diverse performances. She is a recognized artist with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), the Government of India’s Ministry of Culture, and Doordarshan Kolkata. Smt. Jinook Mukherjee Sinha oversaw the choreography for the cultural show that was a part of the G20 Summit in Kolkata in January 2023.

The “Nrityasamaroh” program was specifically tailored to give emerging artists living in rural parts of Kolkata and West Bengal a prestigious platform. The program highlighted budding artists whose abilities and creativity have lain dormant because of specific socioeconomic problems and harsh hurdles thrust upon them against their will. It seeks to abolish boundaries. The main goal of this cultural event was to help the young, disadvantaged artists get through all the obstacles and discrepancies in their way so they can receive the respect and prestige they deserve and continue to thrive.

The evening undoubtedly enthralled the audience, leaving them with a vivacious performance that was both competent and captivating.