Spring comes alive at Indian Museum as Dona Ganguly leads Vasanta Utsav 2026

The historic Central Courtyard of the Indian Museum came alive with rhythm, colour and grace on March 1 as Odissi exponent Dona Ganguly curated and led a special presentation for Vasanta Utsav 2026, celebrating the spirit of spring through classical arts.Organised jointly by the Indian Museum, the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and Diksha Manjari under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, the evening drew art lovers, dignitaries, senior citizens and families for a culturally immersive welcome to the season.

The festival featured a captivating Odissi showcase curated by Ganguly and performed by the accomplished students of Diksha Manjari. Through evocative compositions, the dancers beautifully expressed the essence of Vasanta — symbolising renewal, joy and creative blossoming. The choreography seamlessly blended classical rigour with lyrical storytelling, filling the courtyard with devotion, rhythm and celebratory energy.The performance stood as a testament to Ganguly’s enduring contribution to Odissi and her sustained commitment to nurturing the next generation of artistes. The presentation resonated deeply with the audience, including distinguished guests and senior citizens, many of whom were visibly moved by its emotional depth and aesthetic grace.

Adding a rich musical layer to the evening were soulful Rabindra Sangeet renditions under the direction of Ananda Gupta. The programme’s narrative flow was elegantly anchored by Sundeep Bhutoria, whose poetic commentary provided context and continuity to the unfolding celebration.

Speaking on the occasion, Dona said, “Spring symbolises renewal, hope, and harmony. Through Vasanta Utsav, we celebrate not only the beauty of the season but the continuity of our cultural heritage. It gives me immense joy to see my students carry forward the spirit of Odissi with sincerity and passion.”