The Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, came alive with artistic brilliance and intellectual energy as the first day of the two-day Lahore Kathak Festival unfolded through a vibrant series of performances, workshops and thought-provoking discussions.
The festival brought together some of Pakistan’s most distinguished Kathak artists, scholars and emerging performers, reaffirming Alhamra’s enduring role as the country’s foremost center for classical performing arts.
Hosted at Alhamra and Maharaj Kathak Studio, the festival served as a dynamic platform celebrating the depth, evolution and contemporary relevance of Kathak. The event reflected a powerful revival of classical dance traditions while opening new avenues for artistic dialogue and creative expression for the younger generation.
The day featured intensive workshops led by renowned practitioners Maan Sayeed, Hammad Rasheed, and Sujata Banerjee, during which participants explored the technical sophistication, rhythm, storytelling and aesthetic philosophy of Kathak. These sessions offered young artists a rare opportunity to engage directly with masters dedicated to preserving and evolving this centuries-old art form.
A major highlight of the festival was an intellectually rich panel discussion featuring iconic artists and cultural voices, including Sheema Kermani, Nighat Chaudhry, Bina Jawwad, Adnan Jahangir, Ghazala Irfan and Abuzar Madhu. The discussion examined the artistic journey of Kathak, its layered cultural foundations and its place within the social and creative realities of contemporary Pakistan. Speakers reflected on how dance continues to serve as a living and evolving language capable of expressing identity, emotion, resistance and social consciousness.
The panelists emphasised that Kathak belongs to a shared cultural civilisation that transcends divisions and continues to evolve through generations of artists who safeguarded its spirit despite immense challenges. They also highlighted the importance of making classical arts more accessible and relevant to young audiences, ensuring that artistic heritage remains deeply connected with contemporary life.
The second panel session featured emerging Kathak artists Momina Farooq Khan, Hammad Rasheed, Jessica Zakria Iqbal and Kanza Bano, who shared their personal artistic journeys, struggles, inspirations and commitment to preserving classical dance traditions in modern times. Their reflections resonated strongly with the audience and underscored the growing passion among young performers to reclaim and redefine cultural identity through dance.
Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, while expressing his views, stated, “Alhamra has historically remained a sanctuary for classical arts and a home for generations of extraordinary performers who shaped Pakistan’s cultural landscape. Through such initiatives, Alhamra proudly carries forward a legacy that connects tradition with the aspirations of a new era.” He added.
Maan Sayeed said, “Lahore Kathak Festival is more than a celebration of dance; it is a revival of artistic heritage and a meaningful space where tradition meets the creative spirit of a new generation.”
Sheema Kermani stated, “Classical dance is a living reflection of our cultural identity. Festivals like this are essential for preserving artistic freedom, nurturing expression and reconnecting society with its rich cultural roots. “The Lahore Kathak Festival is a powerful reaffirmation that classical dance continues to thrive as a profound expression of heritage, intellect and creative freedom.
The remarkable participation of veteran masters, emerging dancers, scholars, and art enthusiasts from across the country transformed the festival into a landmark cultural occasion. The overwhelming public response reflected a renewed appreciation for classical arts and reaffirmed the enduring power of dance within Pakistan’s contemporary cultural imagination.