Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 15 -- The week-long Nishagandhi Dance Festival, one of India's top-notch classical dance carnivals organised by Kerala Tourism, began on a high note at the verdant Kanakakunnu Palace Grounds here on Friday evening.
Kerala Health, Women & Child Development Minister Veena George, who inaugurated the festival, presented the prestigious Nishagandhi Puraskaram to leading Kathak exponent Pandit Rajendra Gangani on the occasion, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance at a ceremony.
The honour carries a prize money of Rs 1,50,000, citation and memento.
A Kathakali Mela featuring hundreds of Kathakali artists also got under way along with the seven-day festival. Kathakali performances wi...