Sriradha Dance foundation in the collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kolkata, with the support of Lexus Motors, is set to present the second Pragati Festival, a special evening dedicated to the memory and artistic legacy of revered Odissi guru and visionary artist Late Guru Poushali Mukherjee. Supported by Surajit Kala Associate and Sprish . 

The festival will be held on Wednesday, 9th of September 2026, at 6:30 PM at Gyanmanch Auditorium, Kolkata, bringing together accomplished dancers and students in an evening that celebrates the richness, discipline and enduring spirit of Indian classical dance.

Instituted in memory of Guru Poushali Mukherjee, the Pragati Festival seeks to honour her profound contribution to Odissi through her work as a performer, teacher and mentor. Her dedication to classical dance continues to inspire generations of artists, and the festival carries forward her vision by creating a platform for both established practitioners and emerging talent. This is supported by Surajit Kala Associate and Sprish.

Featured Performances : 

The evening will feature a thoughtfully curated line-up of Kathak and Odissi performances:

Kathak Duet: Debashree Bhattacharya & Sohini Debnath
Odissi Group Performance: Poushali Mukherjee Dance Academy
* Odissi Duet: Bichitra Behera & Sriradha Paul

The performances will showcase the distinctive vocabulary of Kathak and Odissi while reflecting the depth of India’s classical dance traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Organising Committee said, “Guru Poushali Mukherjee’s devotion to Odissi continues to inspire generations of dancers. The Pragati Festival was instituted to honour her lasting artistic contributions and nurture the classical dance traditions she cherished. We warmly invite cultural enthusiasts and art lovers across Kolkata to join us for this commemorative evening.”

The 2nd Pragati Festival is envisioned not only as a tribute to a remarkable guru but also as a celebration of the continuity of Indian classical dance. Through performances that bring together different generations and artistic voices, the festival aims to keep alive the values of tradition, learning and artistic excellence.