Chicago: Mandala South Asian Performing Arts proudly presents the 7th Annual Mandala Makers Festival, an expansive three-day celebration of South Asian creativity, taking place September 5–7 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago. As part of Mandala’s 10th anniversary year, this annual festival continues its mission to amplify the voices of multidisciplinary South Asian performing artists across classical, contemporary, and experimental forms.
Serving as a vital platform for emerging and established talent, the festival offers a rich mix of performance genres that challenge, honor, and reimagine traditions of the South Asian diaspora. Audiences can expect a diverse lineup including classical dance and music, Bollywood dance, folk performance, and—for the first time—an electrifying EDM experience. Major funding for the festival is generously provided by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.
“As a new generation of the South Asian diasporic population matures in the U.S., this year's Mandala Makers Festival reflects on the aesthetic and creativity of these artists and the audience,” said Artistic Director Pranita Nayar. “The festival reveals how they honor the traditions they were born into and new works they are making as they encounter new cultural, social, and global influences.”
The festival kicks off on Saturday, September 6, with a series of free performances from 4–8 p.m. featuring dynamic folk dance and music, followed by a Bollywood Dance Party at 8:30 p.m. ($40 admission). This high-energy evening promises everything from thundering Punjabi dhol beats to vibrant group choreography, featuring performers from both local communities and national circuits.
On Sunday, September 7, the focus shifts to the classical arts. From 2–6 p.m., audiences are invited to a free program showcasing exquisite performances in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and both Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. This day celebrates the richness of traditional forms, brought to life by both master artists and rising talents.
Featured performers across the festival include acclaimed dance groups and artists such as the Mandala Ensemble, Aikyam, Anindita Anaam and Shreevidya, and RVD Academy. The music and EDM roster features names like Chicago Jamrock Collective, Ochin Pakhi, Rini, Nate Torrence–American Alghoza, Deadstream, G-Tam, Atish Mehta, Nandu, Saqib, and Jimmy Singh. Full artist bios and event details can be found at mandalaarts.org.
Founded by Artistic Director Pranita Nayar, Mandala South Asian Performing Arts has become a cultural cornerstone, committed to exploring and sharing the depth of South Asia’s performing arts. The organization is supported by leading arts and community funders, including the Joyce Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and many others. Through live performances, community events, and education initiatives, Mandala engages with artists who represent a broad range of ethnic, regional, linguistic, and gender identities.
For more information on performances, tickets, and artist details, visit mandalaarts.org.
