Gurugram:
At a time when traditional art forms are increasingly overshadowed by digital entertainment, Sai Ka Aangan in Gurugram emerged as a vibrant cultural sanctuary with the successful celebration of the 24th Vasant Utsav on February 1, 2026. This year’s edition placed Rajasthan as the theme state, highlighting its rich legacy of folk music, dance, storytelling and devotional literature.
Organised in association with the CBS Cultural Foundation, the festival brought together eminent scholars, renowned folk artistes, musicians and devotees, transforming Sai Ka Aangan into a living canvas of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The evening began with the ceremonial arrival of Chief Guest Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, welcomed through the powerful rhythms and theatrical movements of Rajasthan’s traditional Kachchhi Ghodi dance. The performance set the tone for an immersive cultural journey that seamlessly blended ritual, devotion and artistic expression.
Following the ceremonial lamp lighting and invocations, young performers from Sai Ka Aangan captivated the audience with soulful presentations, including Raag Basanti, verses from the Shri Guru Bhagwat, and classical compositions rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. The children’s performances, featuring Guru Vandana and Basant Pallavi in Odissi style, reflected the festival’s core philosophy of passing cultural knowledge to future generations.
The in-house BNB musical group of Sai Ka Aangan presented classical sargams, sacred shlokas and a Sai Bhajan composed by Dr. Satpathy, while a traditional Kathputli (puppet) performance offered audiences a glimpse into India’s ancient storytelling traditions.
Spiritual Discourse and Literary Milestone
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy elaborated on the spiritual significance of Vasant Panchami, tracing its origins to the Saraswati Kalpa, a time symbolising the emergence of harmony in the universe. He described spring as a celebration of nature’s abundance, colours and fragrances, encouraging people to embrace joy, simplicity and mindfulness through music and art.
A key highlight of the evening was the release of the eighth Hindi volume of “Shri Guru Bhagwat”, along with new translations in Santhali, Dogri and Urdu. With these additions, the revered spiritual text is now available in over twenty Indian languages, significantly expanding its multilingual and cultural reach.
In addition, a digital music album and two audiobooks were also unveiled, reflecting how classical and devotional literature is finding new life across modern digital platforms.
Rajasthan’s Folk Heritage Takes Centre Stage
The festival’s most captivating segment was the extended Rajasthani folk presentation led by Sarwar Khan and Sartaj Khan. Performances such as Kesariya Balam, Bhavai, Ghoomar, and the UNESCO-recognised Kalbelia dance brought alive the vibrant spirit of Rajasthan, narrating stories of devotion, migration and royal patronage through rhythm and movement.
Adding a contemporary dimension to the evening was the performance by the Ether Band, whose fusion of Indian classical ragas with Western harmonies and ambient soundscapes earned prolonged applause and standing ovations from the audience.
A Festival Beyond Performance
Anchored by veteran broadcaster Jyotsna Rai, the event concluded with blessings, artist felicitation and a communal langar, fostering a sense of unity and shared reflection. Devotees from across India and abroad joined the celebrations both in person and through live telecast.
As Gurugram’s cultural landscape continues to expand with commercial concerts and entertainment events, the 24th Vasant Utsav at Sai Ka Aangan stood out as a meaningful cultural platform—where folk memory, spiritual inquiry and modern artistic expression converged.
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. Rooted in the belief that spirituality and cultural expression strengthen individuals and communities, Sai Ka Aangan serves as a space for devotion, learning and artistic preservation. Through daily worship, educational initiatives and cultural festivals, the centre nurtures holistic growth while keeping India’s timeless traditions relevant in the modern era.
