Mandala South Asian Performing Arts presents
the seventh annual Mandala Makers Festival
Friday, September 5, 6–8 p.m.,
Saturday, September 6, 4–6 p.m. and 6–8 p.m.,
and Sunday, September 7, 2–6 p.m.
All performances are FREE.
The EDM Dance Party takes place September 5 at 8:30 p.m.;
the Bollywood Dance Party takes place September 6 at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $40 each or $70 for both.
To reserve free performance tickets or purchase dance party tickets,
visit eventcombo.com/e/mandala-makers-festival-2025-75550.
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, founded by Artistic Director Pranita Nayar, has earned major support from the Joyce Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. From classical to contemporary, Mandala connects audiences and students with the vibrancy of the performing arts traditions of South Asia. Mandala offers powerful engagement with specialized artists and educators who represent diverse ethnic, geographical, linguistic, cultural, and gender identities. Mandala South Asian Performing Arts is supported by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and The Field Foundation of Illinois.
For more information, visit mandalaarts.org.
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts continues celebrating 10 years of connecting audiences with the vibrancy, flavors, and colors of the performing arts traditions of South Asia, presenting its seventh Mandala Makers Festival. This annual platform for supporting multidisciplinary South Asian performing artists takes place September 5–7 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.
The Mandala Makers Festival holds space for artists to progress and challenge traditions of the South Asian diaspora. The three programs include classical and contemporary dance; classical, folk, and contemporary music; Bollywood dance; and, for the first time, EDM. Major funding for the Mandala Makers Festival has been 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.”
Nate Torrence
Rini
Jimmy Singh
Deadstream
This year’s lineup includes:
Friday, September 5
Contemporary Dance and Music Performances, 6–8 p.m., free
EDM Dance Party, 8:30 p.m., $40
This high-energy night spotlighting cutting-edge South Asian and Desi talent features Indian contemporary dance, experimental performances, and an EDM party with live DJs.
Saturday, September 6
Folk Dance and Music Performances, 4–6 p.m., free
Bollywood Dance Performances, 6–8 p.m., free
Bollywood Dance Party, 8:30 p.m., $40
A mix of South Asian folk music, colorful dances, and high-energy Bollywood performances showcases Punjabi dhol beats to dazzling group choreo, bringing together local and national talent.
Sunday, September 7
Classical Dance and Music performances, 2–6 p.m., free
Featuring masterful performances in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic, and Hindustani music, this day honors the depth and beauty of South Asian classical arts, with seasoned artists and rising stars.
Participating artists offer a range of genres that celebrate tradition and the next generation of South Asian-influenced performing arts: dance performers Mandala Ensemble, Aikyam, Anindita Anaam and Shreevidya, and RVD Academy; DJs and EDM producers Deadstream, G-Tam, Atish Mehta, Nandu, Saqib, and Jimmy Singh; musical performers Chicago Jamrock Collictive, Ochin Pakhi, Rini, and Nate Torrence-American Alghoza; and more. Bios and more information are available at mandalaarts.org/events/mandala-makers-festival-copy/.
Aikyam
Sreevidhya Mohiniyattam
Anindita Anaam