Manipuri dance exponent Darshana Jhaveri has been selected for the prestigious Nishagandhi Puraskaram instituted by the Department of Tourism in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance traditions. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas will present the honour to Ms. Jhaveri at the inaugural ceremony of the week-long Nishagandhi Dance Festival organised by Kerala Tourism. The event will be held at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds at 6 p.m. on February 13.

The award carries a cash prize of ₹1,50,000, along with a citation and a memento. Ms. Jhaveri has made significant contributions to the preservation and propagation of Manipuri dance for nearly six decades.

Many dance forms

The festival will feature some of India’s finest classical dancers as well as emerging talents, promising to enthral audience gathering at the venue. Performers represent a diverse range of Indian classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, Sattriya, and Odissi.

A Kathakali Mela, featuring hundreds of Kathakali artistes, will also be part of the festival scheduled from February 13 to 20. Kathakali performances will be staged daily at the venue inside Kanakakunnu Palace from 5.30 p.m. The productions include ‘Lavanasura Vadham’ (February 13), ‘Ravanolbhavam’ (February 14), ‘Nala Charitham Moonnam Divasam’ (February 15), ‘Baka Vadham’ (February 16), ‘Karna Sapadham’ (February 17), ‘Duryodhana Vadham’ (February 18), ‘Daksha Yagam’ (February 19), and ‘Thorana Yudham’ (February 20).

The Nishagandhi Festival also highlights emerging trends in Indian classical dance and provides a platform for upcoming artistes to showcase their talent. The inaugural ceremony will be followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Narthaki Nataraj, and a performance by Rajashree Warrier. A Manipuri dance recital by Latasana Devi and Group is scheduled at 8.30 p.m. on the opening day. Dance performances by noted and upcoming artistes will begin each day at 6 p.m. Public entry to the festival is free.