Odissi exponent and Padmashree awardee, Smt. Ranjana Gauhar, cordially invites you to the 19th edition of the ‘Saare Jahan Se ACHHA’ classical dance festival. This prestigious event marks its 37th anniversary and will be held on August 13th and 14th, 2024, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, starting at 7 PM.
Reflecting on the journey, Smt. Ranjana Gauhar shares, “Looking back on 37 years with Utsav, it fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment. ‘Saare Jahan Se ACHHA’ is our way of keeping the flame of Indian classical dance burning bright. This year’s program promises an evening of captivating performances steeped in tradition, whereby senior established dancers and their disciples pay tribute and respect to the nation’s martyrs and achievers.”
The festival begins on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, with a performance titled “Ksheer Sagar: The Might of the Ocean.” This musical dance drama weaves together two Indian mythological narratives, ‘Chandrabhaga’ and ‘The Matsya Avatar.’ The performance will be executed by Utsav’s Repertory and directed by the Artistic Director, Guru Ranjana Gauhar. The evening will be graced by distinguished guests of honor, including Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, former Rajya Sabha member and renowned Odissi exponent, Padmashree and SNA Awardee Geeta Mahalik (Odissi), and Padmashree and SNA Awardee Shovana Narayan (Kathak).
The second day of the festival, Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, will feature a series of performances showcasing various classical dance forms. The evening will start with an Odissi performance by the senior disciples of Guru Ranjana Gauhar, followed by Bharatanatyam by the disciples of Dr. Sandhya Purecha, an SNA Awardee and Chairperson of SNA. The event will also feature Kathak by Guru Sangita Chatterjee and her disciples, and Manipuri by Guru Shyam Singh and his disciples. The Chief Guest for the evening will be Amb. Bhaswati Mukherjee, President of India Habitat Centre, and the Guest of Honor will include Sunit Tandon, Director of India Habitat Centre, Padmashree and SNA Awardee Geeta Chandran (Bharatanatyam), Amarendra Khatua, and Pranaame Bhagawati.
This two-day celebration is a tribute to the rich heritage of Indian classical dance, offering an opportunity to witness the dedication and artistry of both seasoned performers and their talented disciples. It serves as a platform to honor the nation’s martyrs and achievers through the powerful medium of dance.
For those interested in a deeper engagement, there is an opportunity to interact with Smt. Ranjana Gauhar, the visionary behind this festival. If you wish to arrange an interaction with this eminent Odissi exponent, please express your interest, and coordination will be facilitated accordingly.
Join us in celebrating 37 years of Utsav and the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance at the ‘Saare Jahan Se ACHHA’ festival. Experience the magic of tradition, the vibrancy of performances, and the profound tribute to India’s cultural legacy.
