The celebration will be held on the lawns of the Akademi premises at Rabindra Bhavan, Copernicus Marg from 5 pm to 10 pm and will include performances and demonstrations of folk, classical, martial and contemporary dances as also screening of video films on dance from Akademi archives, besides other attractions.

UNESCO declared April 29, as the World Dance Day in 1982 on the recommendation of the Counseil International da la Danse (UNESCO's official umbrella organisation for all forms of dance) dedicated to the universal family of dancers and with the objective of attracting wider public to the art of dance. This is the first time that the Sangeet Natak Akademi is celebrating the occasion with such a programme. The Akademi is adding the message of 'Peace' on this occasion presenting the programme as 'Dance for Peace'. Pt. Birju Maharaj, eminent guru of Kathak and Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi will inaugurate Dhanendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Culture, Government of India will be the Chief Guest.

Joining hands to celebrate the occasion with Akademi's initiative and support are well known dancers, dance teachers & institutions of Delhi who will present short performances by groups of their young disciples. They include Kathak Kendra, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Sonal Mansingh, Saroja Vaidyanathan, Kanaka Srinivasan, Swapnasundari, Jayarama Rao and Vanasree Rao, Leela Omchery, Jamuna Krishnan, Deepti Omchery Bhalla, Saswati Sen, Jayalakshmi Eshwar, Shashadhar Acharya, Geeta Chandran and Santosh Nair among others.

Among various associated features of the celebrations on Rabindra Bhavan Lawns will be stalls of assorted food delicacies for the public.

Contact: Jayant Kastuar, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi. E-mail: sangeetnatak@bol.net.in