The prestigious Naadam Nrithyotsav 2025, an international dance festival and competition, will be held on 27 and 28 December 2025 at the Agri Koli Sanskriti Bhavan, Nerul. Organised by Naadam (Nrithyakalasurabhi Artistic Association for Dance Arts and Music), the festival is set to showcase some of the finest exponents of Indian classical dance.
Naadam is a collaborative initiative of two renowned institutions—Kalalaya Learning Center for Music and Dance (Trivandrum) and Surabhi Academy of Fine Arts (Mumbai)—founded by Ms. Vineeta Srinandan and Dr. Joy Krishnan. The organisation has been dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian performing arts through festivals, competitions, workshops and seminars.
Over the years, Naadam has curated a series of acclaimed festivals including Nrithyakalasurabhi – Kodungallur Temple (2018),
Nrithyakalakeli International Classical Dance Festival – Dubai (2018), Naadam Nrithyotsav – Thrissur (2019), Nandikeshwara International Classical Dance Festival – Trivandrum, Indradhanush Festival – Mumbai,
Nrityadhama International Festival & Competition – Delhi (2020) etc.
During the pandemic, Naadam continued its mission through online festivals such as Natanam International Online Dance Festival (2020) and Ananthapuri International Online Festival (2021). In recent years, the organisation has successfully conducted the Naadam Nandikeshwara Festival (2022), Silapadikaram International Festival (Kodungallur) and Bharatamuni International Classical Dance Festival (Kannur, April 2025)—each featuring over 250 performers and senior gurus as chief guests, including Padmabhushan Dhananjayans and Padmabhushan C.V. Chandrashekhar.
This year’s edition will feature an impressive line-up of celebrated artistes across multiple classical dance traditions. Chief guest Smt. Jayashree Rajagopalan, senior-most disciple of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, will grace the inaugural ceremony.
Featured performers include Dr. Ratheesh Babu (Bharatanatyam),
Rasika Gumaste (Odissi),
Asmita Thakkur (Kathak),
Aishwarya Harish (Bharatanrityam), Smruti Vaghela, Tammanna M, Hrishikesh Page, Ms. Nisha Mangalampalli (Bharatanatyam),Dr. Joy Krishnan (Keralanadanam) and Vineeta Srinandan (Mohiniyattam).
Many emerging young artistes will also take the stage, making the festival a vibrant blend of tradition and new talent.
Naadam Nrithyotsav 2025 promises two days of captivating performances that celebrate the depth, beauty and diversity of Indian classical dance. All art lovers and connoisseurs are cordially invited to witness this cultural extravaganza.
Reviewed by Guru Vijay Shanker