Janki Dave Bharatanatyam Triumph at State Kala Mahakumbh
Janki Dave Bharatanatyam journey shows focus, faith and hard work. Her training turns talent into success
Thirteen-year-old Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave from Ahmedabad has added another proud chapter to her young artistic journey by securing second position in the Junior Category at the Gujarat State Kala Mahakumbh 2025. The state-level competition was held in Surat on 2 January 2026 and brought together talented young performers from across Gujarat. For Janki, this achievement marks an important moment, as Kala Mahakumbh is known as one of the most respected cultural platforms for students of classical arts in the state.
Kala Mahakumbh is organised to encourage school-age artists and give them a strong foundation in Indian classical traditions. The event follows a strict selection process, starting from local levels and moving up to district, zone and state stages. Reaching the state level itself is considered a major success, as participants are judged by experienced artists and cultural experts who closely observe technique, discipline and stage presence.
Janki’s performance stood out for its balance of skill and emotion. Trained under the guidance of renowned Bharatanatyam guru Krinlaben Kothari, she presented a classical “Varnam”, which is known to be one of the most demanding items in Bharatanatyam. A Varnam tests a dancer’s stamina, rhythm, expressions and understanding of storytelling. The jury appreciated Janki’s clean movements, clear footwork and mature expressions, which are often difficult to achieve at such a young age.
Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave’s journey to the state-level competition reflects steady progress and hard work. Before reaching Surat, Janki secured first position at the Sanand Taluka level and later topped the Ahmedabad District level. She then went on to win second position at the Zone Level competition held in Bhachau. Each stage involved tougher competition and higher expectations, making her consistent performance a strong sign of discipline and focus.
Such achievements do not come easily, especially in classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, which require years of daily practice. Students often begin training at a young age and spend long hours learning basic steps, hand gestures and facial expressions. Along with physical effort, they must also understand rhythm, music and traditional themes rooted in Indian culture. Janki’s success suggests that she has embraced this demanding routine with dedication.
Apart from Kala Mahakumbh, Janki has also performed at several well-known cultural festivals. At the Somnath Mahotsav, a respected cultural event held near the historic Somnath Temple, she won second place in the solo category and first place in the group category. This festival attracts performers from different parts of the state and is known for promoting traditional arts in a spiritual and cultural setting.
She further strengthened her profile by securing first position at the Samved Kala Mahotsav in Vadodara. This event is recognised for encouraging young classical artists and giving them exposure to wider audiences. Performing on such platforms helps young dancers gain confidence, stage experience and an understanding of professional expectations.
One of the most important milestones in Janki’s journey was her Arangetram, which she successfully completed in January last year. Arangetram is the formal debut of a Bharatanatyam dancer on stage after years of training. It symbolises readiness to perform independently and marks a transition from student to serious practitioner. Completing an Arangetram at a young age reflects both the dancer’s ability and the teacher’s guidance.
Currently, Janki is pursuing Visharad-level advanced studies in Bharatanatyam. This level focuses on deeper learning, including complex choreography, advanced expressions and a stronger connection with classical music. Such structured training helps dancers build a long-term foundation and prepares them for higher-level performances and competitions.
Her achievement has brought pride not only to her family and guru but also to the wider cultural community in Ahmedabad. In a time when many young people are drawn towards modern forms of entertainment, Janki’s dedication to Indian classical dance highlights the continued relevance and beauty of traditional arts.
Janki Aniruddhakumar Dave’s journey serves as an example of how talent, discipline and the right guidance can help young artists shine. Her success at the Gujarat State Kala Mahakumbh 2025 stands as a reminder that age is no barrier when passion and hard work come together. As she continues her training and performances, the classical dance world will be watching her growth with keen interest.
