New York City, NY, USA: Indian classical and folk dance traditions were showcased on one of the world's most prestigious stages as the All-Indian Dance Festival 2026 was held at the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall in New York. The event featured performances by 387 artists before an audience of nearly 2,800 people, highlighting the richness and diversity of India's cultural heritage.

The festival was organized by the Consulate General of India in New York in collaboration with dance organization Three Aksha. The event was curated by Three Aksha founder Viji Rao, bringing together a wide range of Indian classical and folk dance forms performed by artists from across the United States.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan said the performances reflected the depth, diversity, and continuity of India's cultural traditions. In a message shared on X, he thanked the participating artists, dance schools, parents, and families for their efforts in preserving and passing Indian cultural heritage to future generations.

The Consulate also recognized Viji Rao for curating the festival and appreciated the contributions of several participating dance academies and artistic directors, including Notes n' Beats School, Nrithya Samarpanam, The Odisha Society of Americas, Lahari Abbaraju, Nupoor Dance School, Rhythm Dancers, Bharathakala Naatya Academy, NachNation, Abhinaya Tharangini Academy of Kuchipudi Dance, and Three Aksha.

According to Carnegie Hall's event listing, the festival showcased Indian classical and folk dance performances by artists born and raised in the United States, with choreography rooted in traditions preserved and taught by renowned Indian dance gurus.

The event underscored the Indian diaspora's significant role in preserving, promoting, and presenting India's rich performing arts and regional dance traditions on an international platform.