The LalitArpan Festival was founded in 2002 by Kathak maestro Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, and the late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, one of the most renowned tabla players. Its main objective was to serve as a platform for young artists to showcase their talents alongside established senior artists and to help boost their confidence and carve out their niche in the world of performing arts. The festival aims to inspire its audience by presenting various dimensions of classical performing arts, such as solo/group presentations, dance dramas, and ensembles. The festival is organized by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers and, to date, has presented over 100 torchbearers of Indian classical performing arts.
Our festival aims to convey a meaningful message through the captivating medium of art, mainly through the power of storytelling. In staying true to our tradition, we have given the festival the title of “Dviparna,” which aptly captures the essence of our artistic and narrative vision.
The concept of duality is a fundamental aspect of life and is also reflected in art. Art has often been used to express the duality of life, the harmonious interplay of opposing forces. Through art, we can explore the delicate balance between male and female energies, positive and negative forces, the balance between light and dark, good and evil, and other opposing elements. Incorporating the concept of duality into various facets of life can foster a sense of balance and tranquility.
With that thought, Lalit Arpan Festival proudly brings “Dviparna – Embracing The Duality of Life.”
Let’s embrace the duality of life as the Lalit Arpan Festival 2023 presents “DVIPARNA,” a theme that delves into the harmonious interplay of opposing forces. Join us to Experience the intricate balance of male-female, yin-yang, positive-negative, and virility-grace through captivating performances and displays. Witness the mesmerizing harmony between the masculine and feminine energies, the delicate balance between opposing forces, and the embodiment of strength and elegance, the manifestation of power and beauty, through enthralling showcases and exhibits. This festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, humanity, and art.
Join us to experience the mesmerizing Lalit Arpan Festival, where distinguished artists will captivate you with their exquisite solo and duet performances, unveiling the profound intricacies of their unique cultural traditions. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of art and diversity.
4th Oct 2023:
Dr Pallavi Lohani (Kathak) and Suhail Bhan (Bharatanatyam)
5th Oct 2023:
Megha Nair (Mohiniyattam) and Vishwanath Mangaraj (Odissi).
The annual “LalitArpan Festival” (22nd edition) presents “DVIPARNA” on 4th and 5th October 2023 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi at 7pm.
ABOUT ASAVARI:
Founded by the prima doyen of Kathak, Guru Shovana Narayan, Padmashri, ASAVARI, grew under the guiding force of her mother late Smt. Lalita Narayan received equal support from Ranjana Narayan, Guru Tirath Ajmani, tabla maestro late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan and many more. Today ASAVARI trains a number of children and also runs a Repertory that has performed widely in India and abroad.
Guru Shovana Narayan imparts training to her disciples on the tenets of the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara, albeit with a difference. At Asavari even though the disciples do not reside with the Guru physically, they are not less than daughters to Shovanaji. She in her role is the mother figure, training and guiding her disciples into becoming solo professional artists with the right attitude and right behaviour as well as being art connoisseurs.
Single-handedly, she has made a vast difference in the lives of many disciples, irrelevant of the fact whether they trained with her for a short period or for a decade or more. Be it Kathak or other walks of life, her disciples continue to give their best with dedication and perseverance.