World Dance Day Festival 2025 presented by NATYA VRIKSHA on April 26th & 27th, 2025 at IIC

NATYA VRIKSHA proudly presented the 18th edition of the World Dance Day Festival 2025 in collaboration with the India International Centre (IIC). Conceived and curated by Padmashri Geeta Chandran, the two-day celebration took place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April at IIC, New Delhi.

This year’s festival continued NATYA VRIKSHA’s legacy as the first institution in India to mark formal celebrations on World Dance Day. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural platform featuring performances, lectures, workshops and discussions, spotlighting both the heritage and future of Indian dance. What set the WDD Fest 2025 apart was its inclusive spirit—embracing and presenting all styles and forms of dance, encouraging participation and dialogue across traditions.

Curated by Padmashri Geeta Chandran, the festival continues to draw wide participation—from young dancers and seasoned gurus to scholars, art connoisseurs, and curious first-time audiences. What makes the WDD FEST truly distinctive is its inclusive embrace of all dance forms—classical, contemporary, and experimental—offering a rare and holistic celebration of movement and dance aesthetics. This year’s line-up included Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi artists, offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness the rising stars of Indian dance.

A key highlight of Day I (Saturday 26 April) was the conferral of the 6th NATYA VRIKSHA Lifetime Achievement Award to SPIC MACAY and its visionary founder, Dr. Kiran Seth, in recognition of their tireless efforts in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage amongst youth. Dr. Seth, a Padma Shri awardee, academician, and cultural reformer, founded SPIC MACAY in 1977 and has since transformed it into a movement of national importance, impacting millions of students.