REVIEW / REPORT

Sanskriti Mahotsav 2026 - Gharana & Parampara

- Dr. Anupma Harshal
e-mail: anupma.manav.atlas@gmail.com
Photos: Sandeep Mankavle (Sun Video)

May 10, 2026

Venue: Swatantryaveer Savarkar Hall, Dadar, Mumbai
Date: 5th April 2026

Sanskriti Mahotsav is a flagship initiative of the Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre, Mumbai, founded in 1983 in Kolkata and at present having presence in USA, Belgium and UK. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to using art as a means of self-development, social connection, and cultural expression. The academy nurtures Kathak artistes through a holistic approach - preserving tradition while engaging with contemporary thought. Sanskriti Mahotsav was launched in Mumbai in the early 2000s to promote Indian classical dance and music. Now in its 24th year, the festival, conceived and curated by its Founder-Director Shila Mehta, serves as a platform for dialogue around the depth, relevance, and continuity of the Guru Shishya Parampara. Trained in the Lucknow Gharana under eminent masters including Pt. Vijay Shankar, Pt Birju Maharaj, Suresh Talwalkar, and Dr. Kanak Rele, she brings together depth of tradition and a spirit of inquiry. Shila Mehta is a distinguished Kathak dancer, scholar, performer, and guru with over four decades of experience.

The festival is also a tribute to her Guru, Pt Vijai Shankar, and her Dada Guru, Pt Birju Maharaj, whose teachings continue to guide its artistic vision. In the realm of Kathak, parampara is not merely the passing of steps but the transference of a spiritual pulse highlighting the power of legacy through two perspectives: the gharana (family tradition) and the non-gharana Guru Shishya Parampara.

Shila Mehta

The evening began with a perfect spiritual anchor wherein Shila performed Nirvana Shatakam, by Adi Shankaracharya transitioning from the physical world into the realm of pure consciousness. As she moved to the verses of Adi Shankaracharya, the dance became an antar yatra (inner journey). Her portrayal of the Nayika - Radha as the jeeva - was not just a wait for a beloved, but a deliberate journey from the external world toward the internal void. In the stillness of her poses, one could feel the transition from the sansar (world) to the state of chidananda rupa (form of pure consciousness).

The next segment was a masterclass in the Thaat, her entry marked by an exquisite grace, particularly in the fluid use of the aanchal, which seemed to breathe along with her movements. The technical clarity of her footwork was evident in the crisp execution of Tak takit tak takit dha tit dha tit dhaan, leading into a powerful Raavan Tihai. A standout moment was the integration of Navraas within a Tihai, demonstrating a rare ability to compress the spectrum of human emotion into the rigid structure of a rhythmic cycle. However, it was her rendition of Nirvana Shatakam that provided the evening's philosophical core.

Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj

The other artist for the evening Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj is the son of the legendary Pt. Shambhu Maharaj. Belonging to the prestigious Kalka-Bindadin Gharana, he represents the seventh generation of a lineage that has shaped the very soul of Kathak. Following the legacy of Birju Maharaj, he stands today as a torch bearer of the Lucknow gharana. Blessed with innate grace, his dance is a captivating blend of layakari and nazakat - a true visual and aesthetic delight.

When Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj took the stage, the energy shifted toward the majestic, stoic and the movement of the eyes. Beginning with a nuanced Upaaj and Thaat, he quickly transitioned into a spectacular footwork where one could feel the thunder. His hand gestures, even in druta laya, remained distinct and meaningful - a mark of a veteran who has mastered the velocity of the form. The playfulness of the tihai bols, the tabla and the ball in hand took us all into the playground watching the movements with awe. The dher dher kat movement took the audience by surprise. Whether to listen to the tabla or the footwork, if reflected years of riyaaz that so playfully unfolded on the stage. The "Saanp Seedi ki Tihai" was a rhythmic marvel, demonstrating the mathematical playfulness that defines the best of the tradition.

The Gajagamini gait in the gaat was a treat to watch as one could see the mahut seated on the elephant and its walk so beautifully done. Makhan chori with the innocence of a little Krishna who bursts out crying felt so real, a male dancer portraying a mother was soaked in pure love. The dagar chalat shyam kar guinya was so adorable and full of ched chaad in different ways, it felt as if there were so many characters there on stage. His rapport with the percussionists was palpable, especially when invoking the beautiful metaphor: "The ghungroo is Radha, and the tabla is Krishna."

This sentiment transformed the stage into a divine dialogue, where every beat of Pt. Kalinath Mishra's tabla and every chime of the bells became a conversation between the devotee and the divine. The evening ended on a high note with a jugalbandi between the 2 artistes and the tabla maestro. The performance was anchored by an exceptional musical ensemble. Vaibhav Mankad's soulful vocals, Alka Gujar's melodic sitar, and the rhythmic precision of Mansi Somaiya's padhant creating a rich sonic landscape. The program was seamlessly guided by the eloquent emceeing of Pallavi Raisurana, who bridged the gap between the technical intricacies and the audience's spiritual experience.

Pt Ram Mohan Maharaj and Shila Mehta

The evening was graced by Shyamlata Pandit, one of the senior-most disciples of Shambhu Maharaj; Jayantimala Mishra, distinguished Kathak exponent and daughter of the legendary Sitara Devi, Rekha Rohitashv Gour, the vice president of the All India Artists Association. The evening featuring Shila Mehta and the stalwart Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj, was a testament to this lineage - a performance where the mathematical precision of the Lucknow Gharana met the profound stillness of the soul.

Dr. Anupma Harshal is a Kathak exponent mentored by Pandit Brijraj Mishra and serves as a STEM Mentor and Science communication professional.