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NEW DELHI, INDIA, November 3, 2004: Supported by the present government, the national capital of Delhi is fast becoming the cultural hub for Indian Dance forms. Recently a five-day festival (Ananya) featuring Indian Classical Dance attracted an audience of over 2,000 spectators on the first day (October 26). The setting for the performance was none other than the Purana Quila, a heritage monument boasting a 52-foot wide stage. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit opened the event that was supported by the Tourism Ministry, Delhi Tourism and the Union Culture Ministry. This years festival was dedicated to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra who performed at last years festival but who had recently passed away. The following artistes performed during the course of the festival, namely, Kuchipudi dancers Raja and Radhu, Dr. Neena Prasad and troupe who performed the Mohiniattam, Odissi troupe from Kolkata, Guru V P Dhananjayan and troupe from Chennai performed Bharatnatyam, and Kathak dancer Kumudini Lakhia from Gujarat. Mr. Sanjeev Bhargava of Seher who organized the festival says, “The aim was to highlight the vibrancy of contemporary creativity and showcase artistes who have kept the ancient traditions alive. Ananya aims to put into sharp focus the plurality of approaches that contemporary classical dancers embody in their work and is, therefore, a festival of vital creativity and innovation.” Presently entry to the festival is free. To ensure that Purana Quila is not damaged by the crowds, parking is kept at a distance and spectators can take buses to the festival that sport pollution-free batteries.

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