THIS SEPTEMBER, Cardiff will welcome a vibrant, cultural celebration of South Asian Classical Dance to the city for the first time.
Cardiff-based Indian Arts & Culture company Samarpan are very proud to present UTSAV 2025 – a spectacular festival celebrating the depth, beauty and diversity of South Asian Classical Dance in a way that’s never been done before.
Taking place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on September 7, the festival brings together a unique combination of four major classical dance styles – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odissi – in one carefully curated, high-calibre event. Bridging traditional roots and contemporary presentations, the event builds a platform for artistic exchange and delivers a culturally enriching experience, engaging new audiences in South Wales.
Dhiren Manga (Desi Blitz) said: “With every performance and every partnership, Samarpan reaffirms that Indian classical arts have a rightful, radiant place on the world stage.”
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 therefore positions itself on the map as both an artistic and cultural expression that is accessible to diverse communities in South Wales.
Samarpan Directors, Dr. Leena Menon and Dr. Santosh Nair said: “UTSAV is a heartfelt offering to Wales, a celebration of classical Indian dance at its finest.
“Through UTSAV, we hope to deepen appreciation for these ancient forms and spark new conversations around identity, heritage, and the power of the arts to connect us all.”
This year’s inaugural programme features performances by both the dedicated students of Samarpan and internationally acclaimed artists from across the UK:
- Divya Ravi and Dr.Swarup Menon – Bharatanatyam
- Payal Ramchandani – Kuchipudi
- Elena Catalano – Odissi
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; this will be a very special opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture and artistry in South Wales.
Founded in 2017 by Dr. Leena Menon and Dr. Santosh Nair, Samarpan began as a dance school specialising in traditional Indian forms, and has since evolved into a dynamic cultural hub integrating both music and dance. As well as offering high-quality training in Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic vocal music, Samarpan creates opportunities to showcase these art forms through professional performances and community events. Guided by their core pillars of performance, learning, and outreach, Samarpan is dedicated to promoting Indian arts and culture across South Wales.
Dhiren Manga (Desi Blitz) added: “In a city shaped by generations of cultural exchange, Samarpan represents a rare and meaningful commitment to artistic heritage.”
Click here to book tickets from Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama website.
