Maathangi Festival 2026 begins in Kochi; Navya Nair opens cultural programme

The fourth edition of the Maathangi Festival, conceptualised by Suryakrishnamoorthy, opened at the Kerala Fine Arts Society Hall, Kochi today. Celebrating the rich heritage of Indian classical performing arts, the festival will continue until October 6, bringing together performances across Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and other classical forms.

“With immense pride and gratitude, Maathangi School of Performing Arts and Kochi Fine Arts Society Hall jointly present the 4th edition of Maathangi Festival 2026. We warmly welcome each and every one of you to celebrate five beautiful days of Indian classical arts, tradition and excellence,” wrote Navya Nair.

Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Nandini Ramani inaugurated the festival. Filmmaker Tharun Moorthy attended the event as the chief guest, while V. Kaladharan was present as the special guest. Kerala Fine Arts Society president Gopinath Rao presided over the inaugural ceremony, with Raju Janardhanan Pillai, director of Maathangi School of Performing Arts, delivering the vote of thanks.

Following the inauguration, the festival's performance programme began with a Bharatanatyam recital by actor and dancer Navya Nair.

The fourth edition of Mathangi Festival brings together established artists, classical traditions and the creative energy of a new generation.

The organisers said the fourth edition is also introducing a new dimension to the festival titled ‘PARAMPARA: The Next Generation’, with a focus on young artists and the future of Indian classical arts.

“Because tradition is not only about preserving what we have inherited, but also about nurturing the artists who will carry it forward,” they said.

The festival is set to feature performances by several prominent artists over the next few days, offering audiences an opportunity to experience a range of India's classical art forms under one roof.