Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, a pioneering organization working for the promotion and preservation of intangible cultural heritage for over three and a half decades, has now taken a significant step forward by organizing a ten-day intensive Kathak dance workshop in the capital city of New Delhi. This vibrant initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Rag Virag Education and Culture Society, a reputed dance institution based in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi, under the able leadership and artistic direction of eminent Kathak exponent Smt. Punita Sharma.
This workshop is part of Folkland’s continuing efforts to promote classical forms that are deeply rooted in folk traditions. Kathak, one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, is a brilliant expression of India’s syncretic heritage. It originated in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh through the performative storytelling of Kathakars, the ancient itinerant bards who narrated stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana through dance, music, and recitation. Over time, Kathak absorbed the aesthetics of Persian and Central Asian traditions during the Mughal era, resulting in a graceful confluence of bhakti and sufi traditions, making it one of the most nuanced forms of Indian cultural expression.
The ten-day workshop, under the expert mentorship of Smt. Punita Sharma, is being held at the Rag Virag Studio, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. This collaboration marks a renewed engagement between Folkland and Rag Virag, with whom several successful joint programs have already been organized in Kerala and abroad.
About the Guru: Smt. Punita Sharma
Smt. Punita Sharma stands as a beacon among the new generation of Kathak dancers who blend traditional aesthetics with modern sensibilities. She is a postgraduate in Kathak from the prestigious Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, holds a Praveen diploma from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad with a gold medal, and is trained under the tutelage of Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj of the Lucknow Gharana and Shri Mridul Chandra Mishra of the Banaras Gharana.
A performer of national and international acclaim, Punita Sharma has represented India on global platforms in countries such as China, the USA, Indonesia, and the UAE, showcasing the spiritual depth and technical brilliance of Kathak. Her choreography includes both mythological and socially relevant themes, and she recently re-choreographed the Krishna Leela, infusing it with new vitality. She is a recipient of the Junior Fellowship and Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Research Fellowship of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. A graded artist of Delhi Doordarshan, Punita Sharma currently serves as the General Secretary, Principal Centre Superintendent, and Guru of Rag Virag.
Workshop Highlights
The workshop has brought together 45 aspiring students at the Rag Virag studio, creating a vibrant environment for learning, creativity, and cultural immersion. Over ten days, students are introduced to both the theoretical and practical aspects of Kathak—the taals, mudras, abhinaya, and nritya—with special attention to storytelling through movement, an aspect that connects Kathak to its folk origins.
Each day begins with foundational exercises, followed by the learning of compositions set to various rhythmic cycles (taalas) like Teentaal and Dhamar. Evening sessions are devoted to understanding the expressive component (abhinaya) and the emotive storytelling, which makes Kathak unique. Students are also being introduced to the historical context and evolution of Kathak, linking it to both temple rituals and court traditions, thereby offering a holistic training experience.
The workshop will culminate in a public performance in New Delhi, where the trained students will present a group choreography under Punita Sharma’s direction. This final showcase will highlight their learning and offer a platform to celebrate the living legacy of Kathak.
Folkland’s Vision Behind the Initiative
Folkland believes that classical art forms like Kathak, despite their stylization, are deeply rooted in folk tradition and community storytelling. This initiative is therefore seen as a natural extension of its mission to preserve India’s vast intangible cultural heritage through active engagement, education, and performance.
This dance workshop is part of Folkland’s broader outreach strategy and cultural education initiative, supported by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wing of Dorf Ketal Chemicals India. Dorf Ketal has been supporting Folkland’s environmental and cultural projects for many years, including afforestation and conservation efforts. Their support has extended into the arts, reinforcing the interconnectivity of culture, community, and corporate responsibility.
This collaborative Kathak workshop is more than a dance training program—it celebrates India’s cultural continuum, where folk and classical, traditional and modern, rural and urban meet in graceful harmony. Through this initiative, Folkland affirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and preserving the timeless narratives embedded in our artistic heritage.