Sawan Mahotsav-2026 concludes with soulful Kathak performance at Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir

• Dr. Priya Dutta, disciples from Nrityanjali enthral devotees at Sawan Mahotsav

JAMMU: The month-long Sawan Mahotsav-2026 at the ancient Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir concluded on Monday with a captivating Kathak performance by renowned Kathak exponent Dr. Priya Dutta and her disciples from Nrityanjali, presented after the Sandhya Aarti.

The concluding evening witnessed a beautiful confluence of devotion and classical art, with the temple premises resonating with the grace, rhythm and expressive movements of Kathak. The programme commenced with Ganesh Vandana, followed by Shiv Tandav Stotram, Shivnath Teri Mahima, Shankar Ati Prachand and the special presentation of Ganga Avataran. Through these presentations, Dr. Priya Dutta and her disciples from Nrityanjali beautifully portrayed different aspects of devotion to Lord Shiva and the divine descent of Maa Ganga, portraying the role of Lord Shiva in receiving her on his matted locks.

Dr. Priya Dutta and her disciples from Nrityanjali were accompanied by Parshotam Kumar on pakhawaj, Rakesh Anand on flute, and Vijay Kumar on tabla, while Raj Kumar Behrupia provided the  script and vocal narration for the Kathak presentation and also compered the proceedings. The evocative presentation was deeply appreciated by the devotees and art lovers present on the occasion.

The performance marked a fitting culmination to the series of Bhajan Sandhyas and devotional-cultural programmes organised every Monday during the Sawan Mahotsav. A large number of devotees attended the concluding programme and appreciated the artistes for their spiritually uplifting presentation.

Speaking on the successful conclusion of the Mahotsav, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Receiver, Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, said that the celebrations were a reflection of devotion, collective participation and the rich cultural traditions associated with the temple.

“Sawan Mahotsav is not merely a series of programmes; it is an expression of our devotion and our shared cultural heritage. I am deeply grateful to all the artistes who joined us during the Mahotsav and enriched the sacred atmosphere of Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir through their music and performances,” he said.

Suresh Sharma specially thanked Dr. Priya Dutta and her disciples from Nrityanjali for presenting *Ganga Avataran* on the concluding evening, describing it as a memorable and spiritually enriching finale to the Mahotsav.

He also acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the devotees, whose presence throughout the month gave the celebrations their true spirit. He appreciated the contribution of the Panjvaktra Mahadev Pathshala teachers and students, whose involvement in the devotional activities further enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of the Mahotsav.

Suresh Sharma also appreciated the efforts of the temple management, volunteers, technical and non-technical personnel who worked behind the scenes to ensure the smooth conduct of all programmes and proper arrangements for devotees. He also thanked the media fraternity for its consistent coverage and support in taking the message and spirit of Sawan Mahotsav to a wider audience.

“The successful completion of the Mahotsav has been made possible by the collective efforts of everyone associated with it—the artistes, Panjvaktra Mahadev Pathshala teachers and students, volunteers and above all, our devotees. I sincerely thank each one of them for making this year’s  Sawan Mahotsav so meaningful and memorable,” Sharma said.

He added that the Mahotsav once again highlighted the unique role of Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir as a centre of spirituality, devotion and cultural heritage, where religious traditions and India’s rich performing arts come together in a meaningful manner.

The concluding evening ended with prayers and darshan of Lord Shiva, with devotees seeking the blessings of Panjvaktra Mahadev for peace, prosperity and the well-being of all.