Sisters Perform A Mircale Dance Marathon

Belgian Dancers Mehikaa and Araddhya performing live in Jaipur, India 2026

One of the most sustainable gifts we can give future generations is a compassionate culture and values. In an increasingly global world, not just people but also culture migrates. The Jains are an example of this cultural export as they have travelled far and wide from India to many cities and countries all over the world and adapted yet not losing their values and identity. This is a story which starts in Europe, gains nourishment in India, and leads to a significant leap forward into a creative and blended future, where compassion spreads and reaches far and wide.

Born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium, two young Jain sisters have performed a dance miracle. They accomplished their Bharat Natyam finale qualifications (Arangetaram) with a totally new production on the life of Lord Rishabdev, the first Tirthankara in the Jain tradition. This was presented live in Jaipur, India at the Rajasthan International Centre to a large audience, and accompanied by highly talented musicians. 15 year old Mehikaa Golchha and 12 year old Araddhya Golchha, worked for many years towards this performance, with their Guru and teacher Ms Nainika Kasliwal, based thousands of miles away in India, learning the steps on-line which is very hard. Their mother, Asha Golchha, has dedicated her life to the promotion of Jain Art and Philosophy and was a huge mentor and guide throughout the artistic and cultural development of the girls. They have also learnt Sanskrit, Vedic Mathermatics, Ayurveda, Classical Music and Astrology and maintain a very disciplined lifestyle.

Lord Adinath is widely respected as a pioneer of the Arts and Sciences of India, yet so little is known about his artistic legacy. In this orignial feat, the music and dance choreography showcases the vast richness of this legacy, and we know that no tradition can survive without art, and the scientific evidence dates the Jain culture back to nearly five thousand years.

For Mehikaa and Araddhya, grace is their second nature, and they have been excellently trained and mentored by their mother.

Their mother and teacher Asha Golecha writes: ‘Learning an art does more than teach technique. It can develop concentration, observation, patience, discipline, coordination, imagination and sensitivity.’ She explains that Jain Art embraces its deep philosophy of Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigraha and expresses it creatively, maintaining both beauty and simplicity, aspiration and modesty, belief and purpose, all expressed through the lived rhythms of dance. It is indeed a miracle that Mihika and Aradhya growing up in Antwerp have developed such passion for their culture and heritage, and built a lot of self-confidence without compromising their language and heritage.

A brief summary video of their performance is shown below: