Nishagandhi Dance Festival begins on an exciting note

The Nishagandhi Dance Festival 2026 has opened in Thiruvananthapuram with great energy and cultural vibrancy, reaffirming its place as Kerala Tourism’s flagship cultural event.

Inauguration:
Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the festival virtually, emphasizing plans to promote it globally to attract more foreign travelers while retaining its unique identity.

Award Presentation:
MLA V. K. Prasanth presented the prestigious Nishagandhi Puraskaram to eminent Manipuri dancer Padma Shri Darshana Jhaveri, honoring her six-decade-long contribution to preserving and propagating Manipuri dance.
- The award includes ₹1,50,000, a citation, and a memento.
- Guests: Senior officials including Tourism Director Sikha Surendran and Additional Director Sreedhanya Suresh attended the ceremony.

Performances
Opening Day:
- Bharatanatyam by Padma Shri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj
- Bharatanatyam by Dr. Rajashree Warrier
- Manipuri dance by Latasana Devi & Group

Daily Lineup (Feb 13–20):
- Classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, and Sattriya.
- Renowned performers such as Shobhana, Dr. Ananthashankaar Jayant, Dr. Aruna Mohanty, Asha Sarath, and many others.
- Kathakali Mela: A special feature with hundreds of Kathakali artists performing iconic plays each evening inside Kanakakkunnu Palace from 5:30 pm.

Cultural Significance
- The festival blends tradition and innovation, offering a platform for both established maestros and upcoming talents.
- Kerala Tourism aims to position the event as a global cultural attraction, showcasing India’s diverse dance heritage to international audiences.
- Public entry is free, encouraging wide participation from locals and visitors alike.

This year’s edition beautifully balances heritage preservation with modern outreach, making it not just a cultural spectacle but also a strategic tourism initiative.