Hyderabad, June 29th 2026: The historic CESS Auditorium in Begumpet transformed into a radiant epicenter of cultural devotion today as the Amrita Cultural Trust successfully hosted its annual Hyderabad Dance Festival, Muvvala Savvadi – 2026. The day-long festival celebrated the profound legacy of Indian classical dance, bringing together diverse traditions from across the nation in an extraordinary display of talent, discipline, and artistic evolution.
The grand event unfolded in two meticulously curated sessions, showcasing a magnificent spectrum of classical forms including Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Kathak. The morning session commenced with great spiritual energy, featuring intricate performances such as the Vinayaka Janana Shabdham by the Kalanrityaniketan School of Kuchipudi and a pure rhythmic Jathiswaram by Sridevi Natyalaya. Audiences were also treated to the sculpturesque grace of Battu Nritya by the Nirmalya Odissi Academy, alongside vibrant compositions from the Panchamaveda School of Arts, Rhythms of Kuchipudi, and several other premier local institutions. The evening session sustained this artistic brilliance, captivating the packed auditorium with compelling storytelling pieces, including a dramatic depiction of Droupadi Cheerharan by the Sakuntala School of Kathak and the lively Kalinga Nartana Thillana presented by the Nrityam Dance Academy.
The festival was graced by a distinguished panel of Guests of Honour, including Retd. IFS Officer Shri T.V.N. Rao Garu, celebrated Andhra Natyam expert Acharya Kala Krishna Garu, and legendary Bharatanatyam exponent Dr. Rajeswari Sainath. The Managing Committee—led by Rajesh Pagadala, Bhargavi Pagadala, Seetha Anand Vaidyam, Revathi Puppala, and Surendra Nadh—reiterated the trust’s foundational mission to support artists through technology, offer career-sustaining scholarships, and aggressively preserve vanishing classical traditions.
A major highlight of the evening was the prestigious Awards Ceremony, which recognized exceptional dance ensembles across six distinct categories: Technique, Abhinayam, Group Synchronization, Audience Impact, Costume Coutures, and Digital Spotlight. By honoring senior gurus and emerging youth alike, the festival successfully realized its goal of establishing Hyderabad as a thriving hub for cultural preservation. Supported by esteemed sponsors like Beetlerim Technologies and Pagadala Constructions, Muvvala Savvadi – 2026 concluded with a powerful call to the community to remain active torchbearers of India’s timeless cultural heritage.
- Dance Excellence of Technique – Morning Award
Kalanrityaniketan School of Kuchipudi
- Dance Excellence of Technique – Evening Award
Sandhya Karthik Kuchipudi Dance Academy
- Dance Excellence of Abhinayam – Morning Award
Panchamaveda School of Arts
- Dance Excellence of Abhinayam – Evening Award
Nrityam Dance Academy
- Dance Excellence of Group Synchronisation – Morning Award
Sridevi Natyalaya
- Dance Excellence of Group Synchronisation – Evening Award
Sakuntala School of Kuchipudi
- Dance Excellence of Audience Impact – Morning Award
Sri Nateshwari Foundation of Arts & Culture
- Dance Excellence of Audience Impact – Evening Award
Nrityam Mayuri Kala Niketan
- Dance Excellence of Costume – Morning Award
Kandula Kuchipudi Natyalayam
- Dance Excellence of Costume – Evening Award
Sri Durga Sai Nrutyaniketan
- Dance Excellence of Digital Spotlight – Morning Award
Rhythm of Kuchipudi
- Dance Excellence of Digital Spotlight – Evening Award
Raga Rasa Tarangini
