
The festival began on January 8. It started with Bharath Kala Rathna Shri A. Lakshman’s Bharathanatyam recital. It was a rich treat for the eyes. The execution of adavus was perfect. The recital was marked for his remarkable energy levels and nimble movements. It was a befitting tribute to Guru K. J. Sarasa. Shri Lakshman's depiction of Krishna in his Charukesi Varnam was moving. His never-exhausting energy was evident in the Padam 'Chittigave'.
On January 9, there was again a Bharathanatyam recital by Yuva Kala Bharathi Swarnamalya Ganesh, which revealed the versatile and extraordinary talents of a multi-faceted personality who gave an excellent exposition, incorporating her own innovative skills.

On January 11, there was again a Bharathanatyam recital by Kalaimamani, Nritya Choodamani and Puraskar award winner Narthaki Natraj. True to her Gurus, linage and reputation, she enthralled the audience with a chaste, crisp and charming Bharathanatyam sans frills. She had excellent support from her orchestra. The vocalist especially brought out the beauty of Thodi, weaving some excellent phrases. To top it, Narthaki Natraj had an announcer who described the details of each piece, enabling the audience to grasp the exact rasas in full. On January 12, there was a Kathakali recital by Natna Bhaskara Sadanam Balakrishnan and Vidya Tapasvi P.T. Narendran. It was a performance of high quality. A whole range of subtle expressions was conveyed in superb ways. The orchestra made the optimum use of ragas like Kambodhi to bring out the many splendors of Kathakali. January 13 saw an exhilarating performance by a group of Kathak dancers, students of Devaniya along with their guru Jigysa Giri. Interestingly, this school too boldly ventured into innovation. Even more interesting was the way they laid emphasis on esoteric and philosophical aspects of spiritual journey.
