Regatta Natya Sangeetholsavam

About this event

Regatta Natya Sangeetholsavam is an annual classical dance festival organised by Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra in Thiruvananthapuram, bringing together students, invited artistes and established performers for a celebration of Indian dance and music. Despite its name being associated with “Regatta,” the festival is not an Alappuzha boat-race event; Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra is a long-established performing-arts institution based in Kerala’s capital. The institution was founded under the guidance of Guru Girija Chandran and has developed a reputation for training and presenting classical dance, with Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali among the forms associated with its activities. The Natya Sangeetholsavam forms part of the institution’s annual cultural programme and has historically combined performances by its students with appearances by accomplished guest artistes. Earlier editions have featured prominent classical dancers, workshops, lecture-demonstrations and opportunities for students to present pieces they have studied and developed. The festival therefore serves both as a performance platform and as an educational environment where young dancers can encounter senior practitioners and audiences can experience different aspects of Indian classical arts. The 2025 edition, held from September 13 to 17 at the AKG Centre Hall in Thiruvananthapuram, marked the 53rd anniversary of Regatta and focused on Bharatanatyam, with more than 1,500 performers participating across the broader programme and invited performances on the final three evenings. The festival was inaugurated by Bharatanatyam exponent and choreographer Nirmala Nagarajan, while the closing programme included the presentation of the Regatta Natya Sangeetholsavam Lifetime Achievement Award to Kuchipudi exponent P. Ramadevi. Previous editions demonstrate that the programme can change substantially from year to year, with the festival sometimes presenting a wider selection of classical dance and music and at other times concentrating on a particular form. This flexibility reflects the institution’s broader commitment to classical arts education and performance. For audiences interested in classical dance festivals in Kerala, Bharatanatyam performances in Thiruvananthapuram and cultural programmes featuring established and emerging dancers, Regatta Natya Sangeetholsavam provides an established platform within the city’s performing-arts calendar. The festival also contributes to the continuity of classical dance traditions by giving students performance experience while placing them alongside experienced artistes and teachers.

🚆 Railway: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, approximately 2 km from the AKG Centre area in Palayam.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, approximately 5–6 km from the AKG Centre, depending on the route.

🚌 Bus: The AKG Centre is located on Airport Road in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and is accessible by city buses serving Palayam and nearby central areas.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, lodges, homestays and other accommodation options are widely available in central Thiruvananthapuram, particularly around Palayam, Statue and Thampanoor.

✅ Notes: Regatta Natya Sangeetholsavam is organised by Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra and its venue, dates and artistic focus can vary by edition. The 2025 festival was held from September 13–17 at AKG Centre Hall, Thiruvananthapuram, and focused on Bharatanatyam.