Dancers of different styles joined together to bring about message of “Unity

New Delhi: Artist groups from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh and Assam presented dance compositions in different classical and  creative genres of dance at Kamani Auditorium. The subject – “Nature & Motherland”, was highlighted through different languages. Young talented dancers of different styles joined together to bring about the message of “ Unity in Diversity”.

The dance forms of India have their roots in the different regions and draw inspiration from the cultural ethos of their surroundings. While the world is changing faster than we realize, it is important that we retain the beauty and  divinity which the arts have preserved over centuries and pass it on to the next generation, so that they respect the rich culture of our country.

The two-day Vasantotsava 2023 festival opened with an invocation to the five elements, this was followed by dynamic presentations on patriotic songs and songs on nature. Senior maestros of dance – Dr. Uma Sharma, Krishan Mohan Misra and others presented Kathak group compositions.

On the second day, an afternoon session was arranged, where four items in pure dance Kathak, were performed by artists from UP and Bengal. This was followed by a humble celebration of Pt. Birju Maharajji’s 85th birthday. In the evening, choreographies in Kathak were presented by Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, Smt. Vaswati Misra, Pt. Jai kishan Maharaj and others, based on Maharajji’s traditional and contemporary poems.

As an extension to the festival, Kalashram organized a session of lecture – demonstrations on the ancient manuscript (Pothy) – Gaurishwar Sangeet Darpanah written nearly 350 years ago and preserved by the ancestors of Pt. Birju Maharaj. The event was on at IIC Annexe where scholars and senior artists spoke and demonstrated through music and dance, the subjects of the Pothy.

Under the guidance of the legend Pt. Birju Maharaj, Kalashram had been working during the entire pandemic period through online sessions. Several festivals with different themes were presented – Paraspar, Kala Darshan, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and more. The audiences were overwhelmed with the variety of presentations by young talented dancers. Kalashram believes in Duty, Dedication & Determination, the path of a ‘Sadhak’ and will continue to fulfill the mission of the great Guru.