REVIEW / REPORT

The colourful programs of 'Kabilan Nrityotsava' 2026

- Y.K. Sandhya Sharma
e-mail: ykss77@yahoo.com

August 19, 2026

The two-day 'Kabilan Nrityotsava', a colourful cultural extravaganza organised in the revered memory of her father by Dr. Sangeetha Kabilan, artistic director of 'Ushas Foundation' dance institution and a Bharatanatyam guru, who has four decades of rich experience in the field of dance, was held at the Bharat Scouts & Guides Auditorium, Bengaluru, and offered a rich treat to art lovers.

On the 8th and 9th of August 2026, she organised a unique festival of music and dance under the distinctive title 'Kabilan Nrityotsava - Unveiling Dreams'. The festival provided a wonderful opportunity to witness brilliant performances by many eminent artistes from across the country.

Parishvanga Pattabhishekam

First Day: Anita Guha and her troupe presented 'Parishvanga Pattabhishekam' - a Bharatanatyam dance drama based on significant episodes from the Ramayana. The production was extraordinary, with expressive choreography and soulful music. The multimedia visuals projected on the backdrop, complementing the narrative, were highly effective. The sorrow of Sita in Ashokavana, the arrogance of Ravana, Hanuman's leap across the ocean, the clash with Indrajit and Hanuman's capture, the burning of Lanka, and the battle between Vali and Sugriva, and the slaying of Vali by Rama - all these events were vividly brought to life by the dancers through graceful abhinaya, precise movements and expressive angika abhinaya.

Guru Anita Guha's sharp direction and captivating dance abhinaya created a vibrant experience that enchanted the hearts of the audience. This was followed by a Kathak performance by Sri Hari, and a Bharatanatyam presentation by Padmini S. Upadhya, both of which added further brilliance to the evening.

Sudeep Kumar Ghosh

Second Day: Eminent Manipuri dancer Sudeep Kumar Ghosh presented a solo titled 'Amrita Vakya' - a unique composition steeped in bhakti rasa and never before attempted in Manipuri dance. He portrayed the two characters of Sri Krishna and Arjuna with great theatrical depth. The latter part of the Kurukshetra war, featuring the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishvarupa Darshana, was presented through dramatic narration in Manipuri style, leaving the audience in deep contemplation.

Kayalvizhi Kabilan

Urshita Nandkumar

This was followed by a Bharatanatyam recital by Kayalvizhi Kabilan, a seasoned dancer of the Pandanallur style with nearly three decades of vast experience, along with her daughter Urshita Nandkumar. Their performance was marked by maturity, finesse and technical brilliance. Urshita's rendition of Sri Padmacharana's 'Shringapuradhishwari Sharade' was enchanting, showcasing her graceful abhinaya and the beauty of her nritta. The Varnam, "Mate malayadhwaja pandya sanjate", composed by Harikeshanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar in Kamach raga, was presented with great charm.

Kayalvizhi Kabilan's abhinaya of Jayadeva's ashtapadi "Sakhi he" depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna was rendered with exquisite delicacy and emotional depth. Every pose was artistically appealing and soul stirring.

Abhijith P. S. Nair & ensemble

The festival concluded with a Fusion Violin Concert by Abhijith P. S. Nair and his ensemble, which had the audience tapping their feet and enjoying every moment. The captivating waves of music, blending classical musical influences with innovative instrumental arrangements, created an enchanting atmosphere. The mesmerizing violin playing was particularly effective.

YK Sandhya Sharma is a Kannada author, poetess and dance-drama critic.