Thu Sep 11 10:44:52 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Nataraj Music and Dance Academy (NMDA) is hosting the 17th edition of its annual Vysakhi Nrithyotsav, a three-day Indian classical dance festival, from September 12-14, 2025, in Pithapuram Colony. The festival will feature performances from established and emerging artists, including Padma awardees and Sangeet Natak Akademi honorees. A highlight of the festival is the presentation of several awards recognizing significant contributions to classical dance and related art forms. This year’s honorees include Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan (Vysakhi Lifetime Achievement Award) and other distinguished artists across various dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and Kalaripayattu. Awards will also recognize young talent and academic contributions to the field.

**News Article:**

**Vysakhi Nrithyotsav Set to Celebrate Indian Classical Dance, Honor Legendary Artists**

**Pithapuram Colony, September 11, 2025** – The 17th annual Vysakhi Nrithyotsav, a prestigious three-day festival dedicated to Indian classical dance, will commence on September 12th at the Kalabharathi Auditorium in Pithapuram Colony. Organized by the Nataraj Music and Dance Academy (NMDA), the festival promises a vibrant showcase of talent, featuring both renowned and emerging artists from across the country.

The festival, established in 2008, has become a significant cultural event, attracting recipients of Padma awards and Sangeet Natak Akademi honors. This year’s edition will continue the tradition of recognizing excellence with the presentation of several distinguished awards.

The Vysakhi Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 will be bestowed upon acclaimed Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan, a Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, for her illustrious seven-decade career.

Other notable awardees include Sudagani Geeta Narayan (Vysakhi Nritya Shiromani Award 2025), Kavita Dwibedi and Dr. Padmini Krishnan (Vysakhi Naatyasri Award 2025), KV Muhammad Gurukkal (Vysakhi Naatyasri National Award 2025), and young talents Angshuman Gupta, Sujay Shanbhag, and Oggu Ravi Kumar (Vysakhi Yuva Puraskar 2025). Anupama Mohan will receive the Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award, and K Amukta Maalyada will be awarded the Saroja Vaidyanathan Yuva Puraskar.

“We are thrilled to host another edition of Vysakhi Nrithyotsav,” said Vikram Kumar BR, founder of NMDA. “This festival is a platform to celebrate the rich heritage of Indian classical dance and to recognize the dedication and artistry of performers across generations.”

The festival runs from September 12th to 14th and is expected to draw a large audience of dance enthusiasts and cultural aficionados.

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