Nrityangan Dance Academy's 24th Annual Function – ANGIKAR (A Promise of Hope)

Nrityangan Dance Academy’s 24th Annual Function – ANGIKAR (A Promise of Hope)

On the evening of 7th June 2026, the historic auditorium of Calcutta University bore witness to a celebration of art, heritage, and devotion as Nrityangan Dance Academy presented its 24th Annual Cultural Entertaining Evening, Angikar – A Promise of Hope, under the direction and choreography of Guru Dr. Sarmistha Bhattacharya, Gold Medalist in Kathak.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the sacred lamp, followed by a collective rendition of Vande Mataram, creating an atmosphere of reverence and national pride. The evening was graced by an esteemed panel of guests, including renowned Dramatist Dr. Upendra Sharma, Guru Arup Ghosh Roy, Guru Souvik Chakraborty, educationist and President Awardee Headmistress Smt. Shabari Mukherjee, celebrated Tabla Maestro Bappaditya Roy, eminent folk singer Amit Dey, costume designer Subrata Bapi Thakur, and anchor Smt. Srabanti Biswas. Their presence added prestige and inspiration to the occasion.

The cultural journey began with ‘Rabindra Porbo’, where the academy’s young performers appeared as symbols of India – the lotus, lion, peacock, and national flag – bringing alive the spirit of Rabindranath Tagore. This was followed by ‘Nazrul Porbo’, featuring Binodbihari, which offered a glimpse into the eternal love and devotion of Radha and Krishna. The literary segment that followed beautifully intertwined the essence of Rabindranath’s writings with the passionate expression associated with Kazi Nazrul Islam. A delightful group dance by the youngest students then filled the stage with innocence, enthusiasm, and youthful charm.

The centrepiece of the evening was undoubtedly ‘Angikar’, a grand dance drama inspired by the origins of the Mahabharata. Beginning beside the sacred waters of Mother Ganga, the production traced the story of King Shantanu, Goddess Ganga, Debabrata, and Satyavati. Through powerful choreography and dramatic expression, the audience witnessed Debabrata’s unparalleled sacrifice as he renounced both throne and marriage to fulfil his father’s wishes, thereby earning the name Bhishma. The tale further unfolded through the tragic journey of Princess Amba, whose anguish transformed into a vow of vengeance. The production masterfully portrayed how love, duty, sacrifice, ambition, and sorrow laid the foundations of the great epic long before the battlefield of Kurukshetra emerged. Rich in emotion and storytelling, Angikar stood as the artistic soul of the evening and a testament to the academy’s dedication to meaningful dance theatre.

Following this powerful presentation, the academy’s young talents showcased a series of poems and songs, highlighting their versatility beyond dance. The atmosphere then shifted to celebration and joy as the mothers of Nrityangan Dance Academy captivated the audience with a vibrant Tollywood performance. Their confidence, enthusiasm, and stage presence earned tremendous appreciation, proving that the love of dance transcends generations.

Another remarkable highlight was Parampara, a tribute to the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition. Performed by the senior students, this presentation explored the evolution of Kathak through generations. Intricate Lari compositions displayed the brilliance of rhythmic footwork, while the finale introduced an innovative interpretation in which Western musical arrangements were seamlessly expressed through the classical vocabulary of Kathak, beautifully demonstrating the adaptability and enduring relevance of the art form.

The academy also took the opportunity to honour its distinguished guests through a formal felicitation ceremony, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the fields of art, education, and culture.

A major attraction of the second half was Raibhagini, a compelling dance drama based on the legendary Bhabashankari, the courageous queen who earned the title “Raibhagini.” Through expressive choreography and dramatic narration, the production celebrated feminine strength, resilience, leadership, and sacrifice. The story served as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary role women have played in shaping history, leaving a profound impact on the audience.

The devotional spirit of the evening continued through graceful performances dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and Lord Nataraja, celebrating wisdom, creativity, and the cosmic rhythm of dance. This was followed by a lively ramp presentation that added colour, confidence, and contemporary flair to the programme.

The celebration of Indian classical heritage reached another peak through a special presentation that united Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Odissi on a single stage. Distinct in technique yet harmonious in spirit, the three dance traditions complemented one another beautifully, showcasing the richness and diversity of India’s cultural legacy while emphasising the unity that binds all classical arts.

The evening concluded with a grand Bollywood finale featuring an energetic medley of popular songs. Performers across age groups came together in a joyful celebration of rhythm and expression, bringing the audience to its feet and ending the programme on a note of festivity and collective pride.

More than an annual function, Angikar was a celebration of culture, storytelling, discipline, and artistic inheritance. Through literature, mythology, classical traditions, contemporary expressions, and the participation of students, mothers, and gurus alike, Nrityangan Dance Academy once again reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing not merely performers, but custodians of India’s rich cultural heritage.