REPORT

Nayak - Season Two: A confluence of dance and devotion

Photos: Piyush Bhanose

September 8, 2026

Kirti Kala Mandir's 33rd Nataraj Pandit Gopikrishna Jayanti Dance Festival unfolded as a magnificent celebration of Indian classical dance, devotion, tradition and artistic excellence.

This year's theme, 'NAYAK - Season Two', revisited a unique concept first presented by the institution in 2016, celebrating male dancers representing diverse classical dance traditions. After a decade, the concept returned in 2026 with renewed energy and vision, making the three-day festival a memorable cultural experience for Nashik's discerning audiences. The festival was presented at two venues in Nashik - on 21st & 22nd August 2026 at Kalidas Kala Mandir and on 23rd August 2026 at Kusumagraj Smarak.

Nayak - Season Two

The first offering brought together Manipuri and Kuchipudi, creating a beautiful confluence of devotion, philosophy and classical aesthetics. Sudeep Kumar Ghosh opened the program with Hari Naam Prachar, portraying the devotional mission of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda through the tradition of Nat Sankirtana. Rhythmic structures including Ganju and Menkup added distinctive musical depth to the presentation.

Rithvik Venkat followed with the rare Kuchipudi composition Ardhanareeswaram, revived from the ancient Pagativesham tradition. Through geometric precision, dynamic masculine energy and delicate lasya, he portrayed the inseparable unity of Shiva and Parvati. Conceived and choreographed by the late Dr. Ardhanareeswaram Venkat, the work beautifully expressed the philosophical idea of duality within unity. The evening also featured Nritya Raas and Amrit Vakya, bringing together pure dance, rhythm and the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.

The second offering moved from devotion to the vibrant world of Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Vaibhav Joshi began with the devotional Durgashtakam, based on raga Bhoopali, followed by traditional Teentaal in the distinctive Banaras Gharana style associated with Pandit Gopikrishna. Powerful footwork, intricate rhythmic patterns, energetic spins and dramatic expressiveness reflected the legendary maestro's dynamic style. The recital concluded with Chaturang in raga Durga, bringing together vocal music, instrumental music, dance and poetry. Bharatanatyam exponent Darshan Shankar then presented Ananda Narthana Ganapatim, Hanumantha Deva Namo, a poignant Jayadeva ashtapadi and Shiva Panchaksharam, traversing devotion, valour, love, separation and the many facets of Shiva.

The third offering showcased the spiritual richness of Odissi and Sattriya. Sanatan presented Vishweshwaraya Mahadevaya, Dashavatara and Moksha, portraying Shiva, the ten incarnations of Vishnu and the soul's journey towards liberation with grace and precision. Sattriya dancers Tirtha Kumar Nath and Jyotishman Moran brought Assam's rich devotional heritage alive through Kaliya Daman, Krishna Leela and Tumi Hari rokhero hagor, exploring Krishna's divine play, pure dance and the nine rasas.

For 33 uninterrupted years, Kirti Kala Mandir has nurtured this distinguished festival in memory of the revered Guru tradition. Under the dedicated leadership of Guru Rekha Nadgauda, the festival has earned recognition far beyond Nashik and is regarded as one of India's respected classical dance festivals. Its growing reputation and wholehearted response from audiences have made it a coveted platform where artistes experience the joy and honour of performing. The festival's seamless execution was supported by the Kirti Kala Mandir team. Piyu Arole conducted the proceedings across all three days, while Ram Navale and Ravi Rahane handled sound and lighting.

Nayak - Season Two was not merely a festival of performances, but a celebration of tradition, sadhana, and the timeless language of Indian classical dance.