The second day of the 19th AIDA Natwar Gopikrishna National Awards and Nrithyanandalahari Fest 2026 was held at Rangmandir Auditorium here on Saturday, featuring Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances by young dancers from Bhilai, Raipur and Bilaspur. The young performers showcased their talent and dedication to classical dance under the guidance of Upasana Tiwari and Sumi Ajay. The highlight of the evening was a Kathak recital by Sharanya Bisht, a renowned dancer from Delhi and recipient of the Gopikrishna National Award 2026.Organised by the All India Dancers Association (AIDA), the 12-day national and international festival is expected to feature around 4,000 performers from across India and abroad. Performances are being evaluated by a panel of judges from different parts of the country. The festival aims to promote classical dance, encourage emerging artists and foster cultural exchange among performers from different regions and countries.