2026 – Rudra-Varenyam, The Bhavan

The evening brought centuries-old literary works by Patanjali Muni, Palkuriki Somanatha, Chakrapani Ranganatha, and Adi Shankaracharya to life through expressive movement. In a historic first, choreography was created for the Aksharanka Padyas of Palkuriki Somanatha. Set to evocative ragas such as Lavangi and Saraswati, performances spanned five classical forms: Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathak and Odissi.

Renowned and emerging artists delivered captivating performances, while an ensemble presentation of Vrushadipa Satakam stood out. Guru Kajal Sharma, senior disciple of maestro Padma Vibhushan Shri Birju Maharaj, presented a captivating Kathak performance. Anchored by Ritesh Nigam and attended by distinguished guests Dr Rishi Handa, Cllr Karthik Bonkur, Deputy Mayor of Kensington Cllr Arien Areti, Executive Cllr Prakash Singh, Cllr Sharad Jha, Prof. Peter Austin, Major Munish Chauhan of British Armed Forces, BK Yogina Patel, representatives of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Neasden, Southall Ram Mandir, Brahma Kumaris, British Tamil Forum, the programme was a vibrant tribute to India’s enduring artistic legacy, supported by Punjab National Bank and Wealthmax Consultants.