Kalakshetra geared up to host the 2nd Smriti Festival from Aug.1 to 4 at Kalakshetra Rukmini Arangam. Organised by the Kathak Darpan Institute under the direction of Neha Banerjee (disciple of Pt Birju Maharaj and artistic director of Kathak Darpan Trust) and supported by Nidheesh Kumar, the festival pays tribute to the guru Pandit Birju Maharaj, celebrating his profound love for Kathak and aiming to deepen appreciation for Indian classical arts
The festival had a line-up featuring diverse performances by artistes across India performing Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Kathakali. The festival also spotlighted Padma Vibhushan awardee Padma Subramanyam, honouring her profound impact on classical dance with a special award – Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj Smriti Award 2024.