In honour of the relationship between a guru and his disciple, this event will celebrate different forms of Indian classical dance this year. The XIth Jiwan Pani Memorial Festival, that kicks off in the city today, will stage some of the finest Indian classical talent on a single stage over two days.

“It is a way of honouring ‘guru-shishya parampara’ from which knowledge has come. Shri Jiwan Pani inspired many artists, theatrepersons and dancers in his lifetime,” says Indian classical dancer Dr Sonal Mansingh. A bi-annual event, organised by the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, the festival is held in the memory of Mansingh’s guru and mentor. “The idea of the festival is to get all these art forms together. This year the focus is only on dance,” she says.

Spread over two days, the event will feature Kathakali by Kalamandalam Gopi (Kerala), Kathak by Aditi Mangaldas (Lucknow), Pallavi Pramanik and Pallavi Saran Gujral Dwi — Varnaa (Jugalbandi of Odissi and Bharatnatyam) and Vilasini Natyam by Swapana Sundari (Andhra Pradesh). “There is no set theme for the performances. All the dancers are masters in their field. Whatever they do is precious,” she says. While most festivals today concentrate on contemporary dance forms, this one celebrates the traditions. “Without values the world begins to wither. We had to make an effort to relocate them. Basic values should be maintained,” adds Mansingh.

Catch it live
What: XIth Jiwan Pani Memorial Festival
When: February 6-7
Time: 7pm onwards
Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Estate
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market on the Violet Line