Parampara 2026, to be celebrated on 10 October 2026 at 5:00 PM at Gyan Manch, 11 Pretoria Street, Kolkata

Nritya Dhrupadi Music and Dance Research Centre in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kolkata and Infosys Foundation, Bengaluru is all set to present its annual classical dance festival, “Parampara 2026,” on 10 October 2026 at 5:00 PM at Gyan Manch, 11 Pretoria Street, Kolkata – 700071.

The festival, now entering its fourth year, is conceived, planned and directed by Dr. Sucharita Datta Ghata, Founder and Director of Nritya Dhrupadi Music and Dance Research Centre.

About the Institution and its Director

Dr. Sucharita Datta Ghata is an accomplished Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancer and scholar. She is a 'TOP'- Grade Kathak Artiste of Doordarshan. She has received her Kathak training from Vidushi Amita Dutta, Vidushi Susmita Mishra, Vidushi Shaswati Sen, and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji.

Her training in Bharatanatyam includes learning under Vidushi Thankumani Kutty at Kalamandalam, Kolkata, and under Guru V. R. Kalamandalam Venkit.

She holds a Doctorate in Dance, and is an empanelled artist with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and SPIC MACAY.

For the past 20 years, Nritya Dhrupadi Music and Dance Research Centre has been dedicated to the teaching, practice and promotion of Indian classical dance, with a sustained commitment to preserving and nurturing India’s rich artistic traditions.

A Festival Rooted in Tradition

The fourth edition of Parampara will bring together students and accomplished guest artists in an evening celebrating the diversity and continuity of Indian classical dance.

The festival will be held during the auspicious period of Devi Paksha. The programme will open with traditional presentations by the Junior Group students of Nritya Dhrupadi, featuring Kathak and Bharatanatyam. The opening segment will also include an invocation to the Divine Mother and the celebration of Shakti, followed by a special felicitation ceremony.

The second segment of the evening will feature a solo Kathak presentation by Dr. Sucharita Datta Ghata, followed by traditional Kathak and Bharatanatyam presentations by the Senior Group students of Nritya Dhrupadi.

Adding a special dimension to the Mahalaya observance, the Senior Kathak students will present “Devi,” a special production conveying the message of the Goddess’s arrival and heralding the beginning of the festive season.

Distinguished Guest Artists

A major highlight of Parampara 2026 will be the performances by distinguished guest artists representing different classical dance traditions of India.

The festival will feature:

- Dr. Mahua Mukherjee and Shri Ayan Mukherjee — Gaudiya Nritya

- Dr. Arpita Venkatesh — Odissi

- Shri Amrit Khatua, Smt. Madhumita Khatua and Smt. Soumanti Khatua — Kathakali

- Shri Souvik Chakraborty — Kathak

- Dr. Sucharita Datta Ghata — Kathak

The coming together of these diverse traditions will offer audiences an opportunity to experience the varied rhythmic, expressive and aesthetic dimensions of Indian classical dance on a single stage.

Music and Technical Support

The performances will be supported by accomplished musicians:

Shri Biswajit Pal — Tabla

Shri Jaydeep Sinha — Vocal

Shri Sunando Mukherjee — Sarod

Shri Purbayan Das — Tabla

Lighting: Shri Nitya Naskar

Sound: Shri Hashi Panchal

With the presence of eminent dancers and gurus from Kolkata’s cultural fraternity, “Parampara 2026” will seek to create a meaningful platform for the celebration of India’s classical dance heritage and the living tradition of the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

The festival will bring together generations of dancers and audiences in an evening that honours tradition, artistic discipline, devotion and the continuing journey of Indian classical dance from one generation to the next.

EVENT DETAILS

Festival: Parampara 2026 – Annual Classical Dance Festival

Organised by: Nritya Dhrupadi Music and Dance Research Centre

Date: 10 October 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Venue: Gyan Manch, 11 Pretoria Street, Kolkata – 700071

Concept, Planning & Direction: Dr. Sucharita Datta Ghata