Alhamra to host inaugural Kathak festival in Lahore

The Alhamra Arts Council has announced its first-ever Kathak Festival, dedicated to the legacy of renowned classical dancer Maharaj Ghulam Hussain, also known as Maharaj Kathak and Baba Maharaj. The two-day event is scheduled for May 7 and 8 and will bring together performers, scholars, and artists from across Pakistan.

The announcement was made via the council’s official Instagram account, highlighting that the festival will include live performances, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Sessions titled “Thaat” and “Abhinaya” will be conducted by senior Kathak practitioners, focusing on technique, expression, and storytelling traditions.

Kathak, derived from the Sanskrit word “Katha” meaning story, is one of the eight classical dance forms of the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its intricate footwork, expressive facial gestures, and spinning movements, combining rhythm and narrative in performance.

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Maharaj Ghulam Hussain played a significant role in preserving and promoting Kathak in Lahore after the Partition. Through decades of teaching and performance, he helped establish a strong foundation for the art form in Pakistan, mentoring generations of dancers and keeping the tradition alive.

The festival aims to honour this legacy while reconnecting audiences with the cultural and historical roots of Kathak. Organisers say the event is designed not only as a performance platform but also as an educational space where heritage and contemporary artistic expression intersect.

Artists from across the country have been invited to participate, including emerging and established performers such as Kanza Bano, Timsal Fatima, Hammad Rasheed, Nighat Chaudhry, Jessica Zakria Iqbal, and Adnan Jahangir.

The festival is also being held in collaboration with Naqshepaa, a cultural platform focused on preserving heritage through art and film. The initiative seeks to document artistic histories while supporting modern interpretations of traditional forms, particularly for younger audiences in Lahore.