Inside Delhi's Natkhat Utsav 2026: Cardboard cities and classical masks

New Delhi: The Sahitya Kala Parishad inaugurated Natkhat Utsav 2026 at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society on Rafi Marg, New Delhi on Saturday, marking the conclusion of a children's arts workshop programme run across 24 centres in Delhi.

Organised by Delhi's Department of Art, Culture and Languages, the programme trained children across four verticals -- fine arts, music, dance and theatre -- with each centre hosting a minimum of 50 student participants. Music and dance training covered classical and semi-classical forms. Each centre was led by a paid Director and Assistant Director.

The three-day exhibition, from June 28 to 30 at Gallery A and B, AIFACS, displayed artworks produced during the fine arts workshops.

Performances in music, dance and theatre, taught across the workshop period, were presented during the inauguration ceremony.

A large mural by participants of Natkhat Utsav 2026 at AIFACS, New Delhi, combined painting with three dimensional elements, the central waterfall made by crumpled paper.

Four masks referencing Indian classical and folk theatre traditions, including forms resembling Kathakali, tribal ritual masks and resembling Lord Hanuman on display at Natkhat Utsav 2026, AIFACS, New Delhi.

A three dimensional craft depicting a neighbourhood scene, constructed from painted cardboard, fabric and paper, on display at Natkhat Utsav 2026 at AIFACS.

Art and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra inaugurated the event, presenting certificates to Directors, Assistant Directors and Coordinators who led the workshops across centres.

The Sahitya Kala Parishad, established in 1968, runs cultural programmes aimed at children from government schools, with a stated focus on access to structured training in classical arts.

The exhibition was open to visitors daily from 11 AM to 7 PM till June 30.

Tags : Natkhat Utsav, Fine Arts, Crafts, Kapil Mishra, Sahitya Kala