Digital News Guru Kerala Desk:
53rd Natya Sangeetholsavam: Five-Day Classical Dance & Music Festival at Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — The cultural tapestry of Kerala is set to glow brighter over five evenings this September as the Regatta Cultural Society launches its much-anticipated five-day classical dance and music festival from September 13 to 17, 2025, at the AKG Centre Hall. The festival—titled Natya Sangeetholsavam—celebrates the 53rd anniversary of Regatta, and promises a blend of rich tradition, artistic excellence, and young talent.
Origins & Significance
Founded over five decades ago, the Regatta Cultural Society has long been a pillar of classical arts in Thiruvananthapuram. For 53 years it has nurtured dancers, vocalists, instrumentalists, and students, giving a platform for both established masters and aspiring artists.
This festival is not merely an anniversary; it is a reaffirmation of the Society’s commitment to preserving classical art forms, fostering education in performing arts, and promoting cultural dialogue
Festival Launch & Guests
The festival will be inaugurated on the first day (Saturday) at 6:30 PM by Civil Supplies Minister G. R. Anil, with dance guru Natyacharya Nirmala Nagarajan as the chief guest.
Over the course of the event, distinguished personalities from political, literary, civil service, and film backgrounds will grace the festival. Among them are:
- Antony Raju MLA and writer George Onakkoor (on 2nd day)
- Former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar, and actress Menka Suresh (on September 15)
- Former Chief Secretary R. Ramachandran Nair and actress Chippy Ranjith (on the closing day)
What to Expect
The Regatta dance festival will feature performances by both esteemed artists and students, presenting Indian classical dance and music over the five-day span. It aims to celebrate tradition, artistry, and the legacy of the society.
Performances will begin each evening at 6:00 PM (per the Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra schedule) at AKG Centre Hall.
Significance & Celebration
This festival, titled Natya Sangeetholsavam 2025, celebrates over half a century of Regatta’s contributions to preserving and fostering classical arts in Kerala. It provides a platform not just for seasoned artists but also for students, indicating Regatta’s dual focus on performance and pedagogy.
The presence of prominent public figures underscores both civic support for cultural arts and the societal importance placed on maintaining classical traditions.
Festival Program Highlights
Some key dates and participants:
- September 13: Inauguration by G. R. Anil; chief guest Natyacharya Nirmala Nagarajan.
- September 14: Antony Raju MLA and George Onakkoor in attendance.
- September 15: Ramesh Chennithala, K. Jayakumar, and actress Menka Suresh.
- September 17: Concluding night with R. Ramachandran Nair and Chippy Ranjith
Artistic Highlights & Themes
While the exact program of each performance is not yet fully public, the festival is expected to feature classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, and perhaps others, along with classical music recitals. Given Regatta’s history, students trained under its tutelage will likely be a major part of the evening performances—offering both newer talent and interpretations, alongside seasoned practitioners.
The festival aims not just to entertain but to educate. By bringing together young students and experienced mentors, it provides an opportunity for learning, exposure, and preserving nuances of each dance and musical style. The intermixing of audience members—those wh
The Promise of Continuity
For an arts institution, sustaining over five decades is itself a milestone. The 53rd anniversary is not yet a diamond or golden jubilee, but it places Regatta in rarified territory: many cultural societies face resource constraints, generational changes, and fluctuating public interest. That Regatta continues to organize annual festivals (or near-annual ones), teach students, engage artists, and produce events speaks to its resilience.
This festival is also an opportunity: to renew bonds with audiences, attract younger participants, explore new artistic ideas, and reaffirm the importance of classical arts in a rapidly changing world.
Experience Kerala’s Classical Arts: Regatta Society’s Five-Day Festival at AKG Centre
From September 13-17, the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram will be more than a performance hall—it will be a cultural hearth. With a festival rich in classical dance, music, youthful energy, seasoned artistry, and civic engagement, Regatta Cultural Society invites Kerala to celebrate not only what has been preserved but what remains possible. As petals of melody and footwork unfold, the 53-year journey of Regatta finds expression in each movement and note, offering a promising horizon for classical arts in the region.
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