PIONEERING the promotion of South Asian Arts across Wales, Cardiff-based Indian Arts organisation unveil their outstanding programme of performance for 2026, and launch Samarpan Ty Vidya – their new home for learning and development.
South Wales’ leading Indian Arts & Culture company, Samarpan, are bringing in the New Year with a first look at their 2026 programme, celebrating the best Indian Arts and Culture being presented in Wales.
With 2025 representing a huge leap forward in terms of programming, 2026 is set to continue the same unique mission – to give the people of Wales access to exceptional South Asian music and dance. With workshops, performances, showcases, outreach programmes and shared learning experiences all in the pipeline, Samarpan once again prove their commitment to honour the past, enrich the present, and inspire the future through the transformative power of Indian Classical Arts.
Following the resounding success of their inaugural UTSAV in 2025, September will see Samarpan partner with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama become a riot of colour and sound when their vibrant, cultural celebration of South Asian Classical Dance returns to Cardiff on September 13.
Founder-directors, Dr. Leena Menon & Dr. Santosh Nair, said: “Samarpan’s 2026 season marks an exciting moment of growth and artistic deepening for us.
“Rooted in tradition and driven by curiosity, this season brings together powerful voices, meaningful collaborations and new creative pathways. We are thrilled to share work that honours our heritage while boldly engaging with the present and future.”
This spectacular festival celebrates the depth, beauty and diversity of classical Indian Dance forms, platforming both emerging talent and some of the most revered practitioners from the U.K and beyond.
Derived from the Sanskrit word for “celebration”, UTSAV was created by Samarpan in response to a lack of consistent, high-quality classical Indian arts programming in the region. With South Wales – and particularly Cardiff – having one of the UK’s oldest South Asian communities, Samarpan aspire to not only preserve the essence of Indian classical arts but to also bring their universal resonance to contemporary audiences. UTSAV is more than just a performance showcase; it’s a gathering of cultures, traditions and a space where revered dancers can share their expertise and emerging dancers are inspired to pursue their own artistic journeys.
Following acclaim for 2025’s expanded programming, Samarpan have decided to add another event to their burgeoning calendar. Saturday, May 16 will see Samarpan’s Double Bill Dance Performance – spotlighting two developing Bharatanatyam practitioners alongside a Live Orchestra and the Samarpan Ensemble.
Also taking place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, the event will feature two young Welsh dancers – Nithya Menon and Ann Sunny – both well-established performers who have completed their Arangetram and continue to refine their artistry with dedication and depth. Students of Samarpan, they train under the guidance of Dr Santosh Nair, whose mentorship shapes their strong technical foundation and expressive approach to Bharatanatyam. The evening will be preceded by a 20 minute performance by the Samarpan Ensemble.
This innovative approach to presentation proves their continued commitment to support Young Welsh Artists and provide career-defining opportunities.
Taking place on Saturday, May 16, tickets for both events will go on sale very soon…
Samarpan’s Double Bill Dance Performance is at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Saturday, May 16, 2026, 4:00pm – 7:30pm
- Standard tickets from £12.00
- Concessions (senior citizens / registered disabled): £8.00
- Children under 5: Free
Samarpan are pleased to be partnering with Little Kochi, a cultural restaurant and community space led by Mr Albin Sunny. Audiences attending Samarpan events will receive a 20% discount upon presentation of a valid Samarpan event ticket or proof of attendance.
UTSAV 2026 will also at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Sunday, September 13, 2026, 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Visit Samarpan’s website for more information and to book tickets, which will be available soon.
