Archive · 8 Oct 2026
LalitArpan Festival Marks 25 Years of Classical Dance
The LalitArpan Festival is celebrating 25 years.
It was started in 2002 by Shovana Narayan, Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan and Jyotsna Suri.
The festival has given more than 100 classical performers a chance to present their art.
Its silver jubilee programme will take place over two days, October 8 and 9.
It will be held at Stein Auditorium in Delhi.
This year’s theme is “Tradition, Transition & Transmission.”
Shovana Narayan says traditions carry knowledge and values from teachers.
She also says a tradition must be able to respond to changing times to stay alive.
The LalitArpan Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a two-day programme on October 8 and 9.
The festival opens at Stein Auditorium in Delhi’s India Habitat Centre.
Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan founded the festival in 2002 with Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan and Jyotsna Suri.
Over the years, the festival has presented more than 100 performers in classical performing arts.
The silver jubilee theme is “Tradition, Transition & Transmission,” reflecting how classical traditions can adapt over time.
- Who
- The festival was founded by Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan, late tabla maestro Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan and Jyotsna Suri.
- What
- LalitArpan is marking its 25th anniversary with a two-day classical performing arts festival.
- When
- October 8 and 9; the festival was founded in 2002.
- Where
- Stein Auditorium at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi.
- Why
- The festival is celebrating its silver jubilee and exploring the theme “Tradition, Transition & Transmission.”
Tradition as Continuity
Tradition as Adaptation
How classical traditions endure
Tradition as Continuity
Tradition passes on wisdom, discipline, aesthetics and values inherited from gurus.
Tradition as Adaptation
Tradition cannot mean simply repeating the past; it survives by responding to changing times.
- Anniversary
- 25th, silver jubilee
- Festival founded
- 2002
- Dates
- October 8 and 9
- Venue
- Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Delhi
- Theme
- Tradition, Transition & Transmission
- Performers presented
- More than 100 torchbearers of classical performing arts