Pandit Birju Maharaj Kathak Dance Festival concludes in Dhaka

The 14th Pandit Birju Maharaj Kathak Dance Festival concluded in Dhaka, marking a major moment for classical dance.

Held at the Guide House auditorium on Baily Road, the three-day event ended December 25, 2025.

Kathak Nritya Shamproday organised the festival beginning December 23, 2025 and welcomed nearly 50 dancers nationwide.

The programme reaffirmed Kathak’s relevance as both a classical discipline and a continuously evolving performance tradition.

Closing night performances featured group recitals by prominent institutions representing diverse stylistic interpretations of Kathak dance.

Participating academies included Nritya Ashram, Chanda Malika, Samarpan Kala Kendra and Rinijhini Lalitakala Academy Rangpur.

Nataraj Nrittyakala Kendra Noakhali, and Nikkon Academy Chattogram also presented disciplined ensemble Kathak performances during the festival.

Alongside institutions, the festival spotlighted emerging dancers signalling continuity within Bangladesh’s classical dance community nationally today.

Young performers Tuli Mallik, Nirjhar Das Adi, Imama Ashmi, and Arjasshi Bishwash Pritha appeared confidently together.

Their presence suggested growing interest among younger generations in sustaining rigorous Kathak practice across Bangladesh today.

Senior dancers delivered solo recitals combining technical precision, expressive storytelling and rhythmic mastery on stage.

Monira Parveen, Emon Kumar Dey, Deepa Sarkar, and Fifa Chakma earned sustained audience appreciation throughout performances.

Beyond performances, the festival incorporated reflection through a commemorative discussion.

The session examined Rahija Khanam Jhunu’s contributions to pedagogy mentorship and shaping generations of performers nationally.

Narrative-driven works anchored the programme, including Saju Ahmed’s dance dramas staged by Kathak Nritya Shamproday.

Prasanga 47 opened the festival while Shree Radhar Manvanjan followed, reinforcing classical storytelling traditions through movement.

Recognition formed a key element with the Zinat Jahan Smriti Sammanana awarded opening day to Nilufar.

Nilufar Wahid Papri received the honour, acknowledging her longstanding contribution to dance arts in nationally respected circles.

The closing ceremony welcomed Md Fazlur Rahaman, representing the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts as the chief guest.

His attendance underscored the festival’s importance within Bangladesh’s broader cultural and institutional ecosystem today nationally recognised.

Audiences over three days experienced Kathak’s rhythmic complexity, expressive nuance, and disciplined form presented live locally.

The festival balanced celebration with education, dialogue, and performance, fostering a deeper appreciation for classical dance forms.

Since 2012, the organisers have sustained this platform, nurturing excellence, continuity, and cultural exchange.

Each edition strengthens links between institutions, artists, audiences, and evolving traditions of Kathak dance practice nationally.

This year’s conclusion reaffirmed Dhaka’s place as a vital hub for classical dance expression in Bangladesh.