Samarpan’s ‘UTSAV’ returns for another eclectic celebration of South Asian Arts

Event Info

Following the resounding success of Samarpan’s sold-out ‘Double Bill’ in Cardiff in May, organisers are thrilled to announce the return of UTSAV 2026, promising another landmark festival platforming young, emerging South-Asian dancers.

Paving the way for South Asian Arts in Wales, UTSAV, the International Indian Performing Arts Festival in Wales, supported by Arts Council Wales – will be another vibrant cultural exchange, celebrating the depth, beauty and diversity of South Asian Classical Dance.

Taking place at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on 13th September 2026, this year’s festival welcomes world-renowned Bharatanatyam diva from India, Priyadarsini Govind. Known as one of the most foremost Indian-Classical dancers in the world, Priyadarsini seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, continuously redefining the boundaries of Bharatanatyam through her work as a performer and educator.

A first for the festival in 2026, Samarpan are also delighted to present Indian-Classical music from Chennai-based Carnatic vocalist, Chaitrra Sairam. With an illustrious career as a solo performer winning numerous accolades including the prestigious Yuva Kala Bharathi Award, Chaitrra also continues her musical legacy as an educator focusing on musical therapy and working with diverse groups including children with special educational needs.

Derived from the Sanskrit word for “celebration”, UTSAV was created by Samarpan in response to a lack of consistent, high-quality classical Indian arts programming in the region. With South Wales – and particularly Cardiff – having one of the UK’s oldest South Asian communities, Samarpan aspire to not only preserve the essence of Indian classical arts but to also bring their universal resonance to contemporary audiences. UTSAV therefore positions itself on the map as both an artistic and cultural expression that is accessible to diverse communities in South Wales.

Building on the festival’s glowing reputation as a lovingly curated, thoughtful and high calibre event, UTSAV continues to provide a platform for artistic exchange, delivering a culturally enriching experience for new audiences in South Wales.