The opening evening of KalaYatra 2026 , curated and led by Dr. Sonal Mansingh , unfolded at Kamani Auditorium with a clear emphasis on performance as inquiry rather than spectacle. From the first work of the night, it was evident that the Festival of New Choreographies was less interested in familiar narrative comfort and more invested in how classical dance can speak afresh. The festival opened with Amrut-Manthan , conceptualised, choreographed, and directed by Dr. Mansingh