Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 12 -- The week-long Nishagandhi Dance Festival, one of India's iconic classical dance carnivals organised by Kerala Tourism, will get off to a colourful start at the verdant Kanakakunnu Palace grounds here on February 14.
At the inaugural ceremony of the annual festival at 6 pm, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas will present the prestigious Nishagandhi Puraskaram to leading Kathak exponent Pandit Rajendra Gangani, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance.The honour carries a prize money of Rs 1,50,000, citation and memento.
Pandit Gangani was selected for the honour by a jury comprising former chief secretary and writer K Jayakumar, playwright and cultural personality Soorya Krish...