Gurugram, February 3rd, 2026: At a time when traditional art forms are struggling for space in a fast-paced, digital world, Sai Ka Aangan offered a powerful counter-narrative this weekend. The 24th Vasant
Utsav celebrated on the 1st of February, transformed the venue into a living museum of sound, colour and storytelling where centuries-old Rajasthani folk traditions shared the spotlight with contemporary musical experimentation and landmark literary releases. With Rajasthan as the theme state for this year’s edition, the festival placed a special focus on the region’s music, dance and storytelling traditions. Organised in association with CBS Cultural Foundation, the evening drew culture lovers, scholars and artistes for what became far more than a seasonal celebration. The arrival of Chief Guest Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy heralded by the thundering rhythms and theatrical movements of the Rajasthani Kachchhi Ghodi dance troupe, signalled the start of a night that deliberately blurred the line between ritual and performance.
The programme unfolded like a carefully curated cultural journey. After the ceremonial lamp lighting and devotional invocations, young performers took to the stage and were followed by children from the Aangan whose heartfelt renditions of Raag Basanti and verses from Shri Guru Bhagwat underscored the festival’s emphasis on passing tradition to the next generation. Their opening dance included Guru Vandana and Basant Pallavi in Odissi style, while the Aangan’s in-house BNB musical group presented classical sargams, shlokas and a Sai Bhajan composed by Dr. Satpathy himself. A traditional kathputli show further captivated the audience, offering a glimpse into India’s folk storytelling traditions.
In his address, Dr. Satpathy highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of Vasant Panchami, tracing its importance to the time of Saraswati Kalpa, when harmony emerged in the universe. He spoke of spring as a celebration of nature’s abundance, fragrance and colours, urging everyone to embrace joy, simplicity and mindfulness. He emphasised the enduring link between spirituality and arts, observing that music and dance represent some of the highest forms of devotion and creative expressions. To the delight of the audience, Dr. Satpathy announced that Shri Guru Bhagwat will ultimately be published in 11 volumes across 25 languages. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for the artists and organisers and extended his blessings to all those involved.
What truly held the audience spellbound was the extended Rajasthani folk segment led by Sarwar Khan and Sartaj Khan. The melodious strains of Kesariya Balam, the graceful Bhavai and celebratory Ghoomar performances unfolded Rajasthan’s dance history in motion, each rhythm narrating stories of devotion, migration and royal courts. The presentation also featured UNESCO-recognised Kalbelia and special appearances by the Khan brothers.
Adding a striking contemporary counterpoint was the Ether Band, whose blend of Indian classical ragas, Western harmonies and ambient soundscapes reframed spiritual music for modern ears, earning prolonged applause and a standing ovation from several sections of the audience.
The festival’s cultural ambition was matched by a major publishing moment. Dr. Satpathy released the eighth Hindi volume of Shri Guru Bhagwat, along with new editions in Santhali, Dogri and Urdu. The book series now is available in more than twenty Indian languages reinforcing the work’s growing multilingual reach. A digital music album and two audiobooks were also unveiled, signalling how classical and devotional traditions are finding new life across streaming platforms.
Anchored by veteran broadcaster Jyotsna Rai, the event closed with blessings and felicitations for the performers and a communal langar, bringing together artistes and audiences alike in a shared moment of reflection. Devotees from India and abroad joined the celebrations both in person and via live telecast.
As Gurugram’s cultural calendar becomes increasingly crowded with pop concerts and commercial showcases, the 24th Vasant Utsav carved out a distinct space positioning itself not merely as a festival, but as a platform where folk memory, spiritual inquiry and modern musical expression meet.
About Sai Ka Aangan
Sai Ka Aangan is a spiritual and cultural centre in Gurugram inspired by the teachings of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba and guided by Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, Chief Patron of the Sai Prakash Spiritual and Charitable Trust. It is rooted in the belief that spiritual practice and cultural expression strengthens individual lives and community bonds. Conceived as a place of peace, devotion and community, Sai Ka Aangan’s mission is to foster devotion, preserve India’s rich artistic heritage, and create opportunities for shared learning across generations. Through its daily worship, educational initiatives, cultural festivals and artistic programmes, the centre encourages holistic growth, nurturing the heart, mind and spirit while keeping India’s timeless traditions vibrant and relevant in the modern world.
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Words Matter
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