Mehesana, January 16, 2026: The world-famous historic Sun Temple at Modhera is set to host the grand two-day ‘Uttarardha Mahotsav-2026’ on January 17 and 18, 2026. Organized by the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department, the Office of the Commissioner of Youth Services and Cultural Activities, and the district administration, the festival will celebrate the rich Guru-Shishya tradition of classical Indian dance through performances by globally acclaimed artists.

The festival, which will commence at 6:30 PM on both days, aims to provide art lovers and cultural enthusiasts an opportunity to witness diverse classical dance forms in the spiritually and architecturally significant setting of the Modhera Sun Temple.

As part of the Uttarardha Mahotsav, several major Indian classical dance forms will be presented, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Satriya.

On the first day of the festival, January 17, performances will be presented by Raminder Khurana (Odissi), Meenakshi Shriyan (Bharatanatyam), Maya Kulshrestha (Kathak), Peri Krishna Harshita (Bharatanatyam), Dr. Shruti Bandyopadhyay (Manipuri), and Bina Mehta (Kuchipudi).

On the second day, January 18, renowned artists Manikandan A. (Kathakali), Khushbu Panchal (Kathak), Juganu Kiran Kapadia (Bharatanatyam), Dr. Madhuri Majmudar (Kuchipudi), Dr. Dimple Saikia (Satriya), Pushpita Mishra (Odissi), and Arya Nande (Odissi) will perform and enthrall the audience.

The Uttarardha Mahotsav is traditionally celebrated after the festival of Uttarayan, marking the northward movement of the Sun. It signifies the midpoint between the Sun’s transition into the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Capricorn, a period when winter begins to recede and daylight gradually increases.

The Modhera Sun Temple, known for its architectural brilliance and precise alignment with solar movements, serves as a fitting venue for this festival. The event highlights Gujarat’s deep-rooted cultural and astronomical heritage, blending classical art with historical significance.

To ensure the smooth organization of the event, a preparatory meeting was held at the Modhera Sun Temple under the guidance of District Collector S. K. Prajapati and chaired by Resident Additional Collector Jaswant K. Jegoda. During the meeting, necessary instructions were issued to concerned officials regarding arrangements, security, and coordination.

The district administration has extended an open invitation to the public to attend and experience this divine celebration of classical dance at the sacred premises of the Modhera Sun Temple.