Mumbai |
This April, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai will come alive with the vibrant rhythm of Indian classical and folk dance — not just through movement, but through the dazzling beauty of costumes, makeup, jewellery, and expression.
This year’s Mudra Dance Festival, from April 3 to 29, dives into the theme of “Aharya” — the aesthetic language of visual storytelling in Indian dance traditions. Whether it’s the flutter of a dancer’s silk sari, the shimmer of temple jewellery, or the grace of a painted eye, Aharya isn’t just appearance — it’s narrative.
🎭 “Aharya brings dance to life — it speaks when the body pauses,” says Dr. Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, Head of Dance at NCPA.
Highlights of Mudra 2025
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April 3: Festival opens with “Shobhita”, a majestic Kuchipudi performance by Vyjayanthi Kashi and troupe.
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April 10: Watch the Ramayana unfold through human puppetry by the Rangasri Little Ballet Troupe.
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April 11: Saswati Sen takes the stage with Kathak, followed by Avani Shah showcasing Gujarat’s vibrant folk dances.
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April 27: Malavika Sarukkai presents “Beeja – Earth Seed”, a Bharatanatyam production reflecting on humanity’s bond with nature.
And on April 29, Sarukkai returns for an interactive talk, exploring the power of aharya in shaping emotion, narrative, and identity on stage.
🎟️ Beyond the Stage: Talks, Sketches, and Shoes!
Mudra 2025 isn’t just a festival — it’s an immersive experience:
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Dance Through the Lens: A photo exhibition by Avinash Pasricha, chronicling decades of dance (until April 29).
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Step in Style (April 27, 3 PM): Ballroom legend Sandip Soparrkar shares insights on the importance of the right dance shoes, showcasing his global collection.
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Ink & Elegance (April 28, 11 AM): Artist Subodh Poddar hosts a sketching workshop to capture movement on paper.
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Visual Storytelling in Dance (April 29, 5 PM): A talk by Malavika Sarukkai on how visual elements turn dance into poetry.
What Makes Mudra 2025 Special?
This year’s festival is a celebration of the senses. While movement is central to dance, Aharya reminds us that what the dancer wears, how they are adorned, and how they appear— all contribute to the message they convey. It’s where art meets craft, and tradition meets innovation.
From Bharatanatyam’s sculptural grace to Garba’s spinning joy — each performance at Mudra 2025 tells a story, not just through steps, but through sparkle, silk, and soul.
🗓️ Tickets are available via BookMyShow and at the NCPA Box Office.
