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 NCPA Mumbai Dance Season 2026-Kala Dharohar- Dr. Anupma Harshale-mail: anupma.manav.atlas@gmail.com March 12, 2026 NCPA Mumbai Dance Season 2026 Kala Dharohar was presented by Ved Institute of Performing Arts on 14th February 2026 at D. Y. Patil International School (DYPIS), Worli, Mumbai. The stage is not merely a platform for performance, but a sacred geography where the map of India is redrawn through rhythm. On February 14th at the D Y Patil International School (DYPIS) in Worli, "I witnessed a profound act of cultural diplomacy: Kala Dharohar," said Aditi Yadav, the creative head at VIPA. Presented by the Ved Institute of Performing Arts (VIPA) as a marquee event of the NCPA Mumbai Dance Season, and supported by Tata Investment Corporation Limited, this was more than a dance showcase. It was a rhythmic manifesto for national integration. As the venue partner for the event, the DYPIS school proudly supports initiatives that celebrate heritage, artistic excellence, and meaningful student expression beyond the classroom. The event opened with a performance from the DY Patil International School, bringing the spirit of divinity to the stage. The true beauty of Kala Dharohar lay in its ability to dissolve state lines. We didn't just see performances; we experienced the "mitti" (soil) of India in its most unfiltered form.  Bihu dance The synchrony of East and North was visible in the soulful Dalkhai and Abahani of Odisha by students of Renata Pavrey to the infectious vitality of Bihu by students of Sheetal Dandekar. The high octane Bhangra by students of Kinjal Shah rocked the stage. The transitions were seamless, the languages different but the heartbeat of the folk traditions remained a singular, unified pulse.  Ghoomar Next came the grace of the West reflected in the regal Ghoomar of Rajasthan presented by students of Swati Thorat and VIPA; both presentations brought out a different shade of the dance. The earthy dances were followed by the spirited Lavani by Anuya and Abhang of Maharashtra by students of Shruti Nandoskar. These highlighted a critical truth: our diversity is not a point of division, but our greatest collective strength. Watching young students from Brightmind embrace these folk forms reminded me why we do this. The charm of cuteness was masterfully presented by the young students from Brightmind. We aren't just teaching dance; we are building the future custodians of India’s soft power. Next came spirituality in motion presented by Sushmita, the ethereal Gandharva dance.  Sufi dance  Mayur dance A show that had a houseful audience was enthralled to see a peacock appear centre stage presented by Pramod. The eye-catching aesthetics of the peacock was a treat to watch, followed by a soul stirring Odissi performance by Miss Singha. With twirls and swirls came the next performance by Shivani, Rekha and Arushi students of TPBMKF, Duma Dum Masta Kalandar, an "unspoken" connection between the seeker and the divine. A theme that resonated throughout the different forms that were presented.  Gondhal The finale was Snighdha who performed a solo Oriya folk preparing for the fast paced Gondhal that followed. Performed by Sushmita Tamhankar's group, it got the audience to groove and enjoy every note of the music. When we dance these forms, we are not just representing a sect or a style; we are tapping into a civilizational consciousness that has promoted peace and pluralism for centuries. In an era of digital fragmentation, these physical gatherings of diverse folk forms are essential. They remind us that India is a kaleidoscope - always shifting, yet always contained within one beautiful frame. The show was graced by the esteemed presence of Aanchal, representative of NCPA, giving the event the value it deserved. Kudos to the Momma Clan (TMC) for their vision, storytelling expertise, and creative direction in bringing this "Unspoken Diaries" collaboration to life; t he gurus and participants, the mentors who preserve these traditions and the dancers whose passion breathed life into every mudra and step and DYPIS who were the venue partners.  Dr. Anupma Harshal is a Kathak exponent mentored by Pandit Brijraj Mishra and serves as a STEM Mentor and Science communication professional. |
