Navi Mumbai: It was a magnificent celebration of India’s living cultural heritage as the CIDCO Auditorium at Navi Mumbai’s Vashi transformed into an event steeped in the history of ritual and tradition. Ghungroo Season 5, organised by award-winning dancer Sindhu Nair, was a live entertainment for the thousands who turned up for the 16-hour uninterrupted celebration of rhythm, colour and spirit.

The All India Dance Festival brought forth over 1,500 dancers from more than 110 groups across India as well as overseas, making it one of the largest-ever showcases of Indian dance in recent memory.

An endeavour, which started on a modest platform when it was launched, is now regarded as a national programme; the event is synonymous with artistic devotion and cultural revival. “Our aim is to make Navi Mumbai the next cultural hub,” said Sindhu Nair.  “Ghungroo is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our artists and the timeless traditions they carry forward,” she added.

A day of dance, a lifetime of legacy

The event showcased the elegance of India’s classical dance Bharatanatyam, the vibrancy of Lavani, the meditative sway of Odissi and the riotous joy of Bhangra; regions from across India were exhibited on stage. Audiences also got a peek into evergreen masterpieces like Kathak, Manipuri, Sattriya, and Mohiniattam, folk treasures like Bihu, Garba, and Hojagiri, as well as contemporary creations from Bollywood, Salsa, and fusion dance swayed the public.

Each performance invoked the Navarasa, the nine emotions that form the spiritual core of Indian aesthetics, and transformed the festivities into a visceral, immersive experience.

The non-commercial initiative was supported by the Indian Film & Television Choreographers Association (IFTCA), All India Artists Association (AIAA), and several respected cultural institutions and art patrons. The event was a reminder of India’s timeless artistic traditions that are celebrated and preserved with great pride.

Dignitaries lend grace and gravitas

The grandeur of the event was amplified by a glittering line-up of artists and guests from public life and media, including public officials, education leaders, and social influencers, marking their presence and lending credibility to the cultural mission.

A gift to the community

In a time when commercial interests often overshadow cultural preservation, Ghungroo stood tall as a free, open festival for all — a gesture of gratitude and inclusivity. With no tickets required, the event became a cultural sanctuary where tradition met innovation, and ancient art forms found new voices through young performers.

Lauding the event, an attendee remarked that this was not another ordinary event; it was a movement. “We were witness to some spirited performances, and it was heartening to see many people coming together purely for the love of art.”

Such cultural initiatives not only provide forward-looking perspectives but also inspire young dancers. Hence, they need to be supported as they are instruments of cultural preservation.

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