36th Pt. Durgalal Festival

The Samved Society for Performing Arts proudly presented the 36th Pt. Durgalal Festival as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Kathak maestro Durga Lal—the torchbearer of the Jaipur Gharana, whose scintillating performances captivated audiences across the globe. Organised annually by his devoted disciple, Uma Dogra, the festival stands as an enduring expression of reverence to her guru and a celebration of India’s rich classical heritage. This year’s edition was held on 20th February at the Veer Savarkar Auditorium, drawing connoisseurs and lovers of classical dance into an evening of artistic excellence. The festival featured two exceptional performers: Meera Sreenarayanan, who enthralled the audience with the grace and precision of Bharatanatyam, and Pooja Pant, who brought alive the rhythmic brilliance and expressive depth of Kathak. Together, their performances embodied the spirit of tradition and innovation, making the evening a memorable homage to the timeless legacy of Pt. Durgalal.

In frame Bharatnatyam dancer Meera Sreenarayanan | PC: Guru Vijay Shanker

Trained under eminent gurus Prakash Choondal, RLV Anand, and Nirmala Nagaraj of the Kalakshetra Foundation, Meera Sreenarayanan continues to refine her artistry under the guidance of Indira Kadambi, while also engaging in intensive Navarasa Sadhana training with G Venu. Her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing - marked by absolute involvement, technical finesse, and emotional depth. The audience was completely absorbed, ultimately rising to a well-deserved standing ovation. Her thematic presentation, “Harini,” was a deeply spiritual and evocative exploration of life and emotion. Centered around the metaphor of the bee (Jeevatma—the individual soul) and the lotus, the piece portrayed the bee as the silent companion to Goddess Lakshmi, journeying through existence in search of divine nectar. As the bee hovered around the radiant golden lotus, Meera beautifully expressed the spectrum of Navarasas—love, wonder, fear, irritation, anxiety, and ultimate bliss. Rather than eliminating emotion, the narrative revealed a profound philosophical truth: transcendence comes through experiencing and evolving beyond these states. In a climactic moment, as divine grace is bestowed, the lotus closes and the bee is absorbed within—symbolizing union, fulfilment, and liberation.

The choreography drew inspiration from revered texts such as Soundarya Lahiri, Durga Saptashati, Sri Sookta, Srimad Bhagavatam, and works of Vedanta Desika. The musical compositions, rendered from the works of Muthuswami Dikshitar, Purandara Dasa, Annamacharya, and Balarama Das, added richness and depth to the performance. A power-packed and immersive experience, Harini stood out for its rare blend of intellectual depth and aesthetic beauty. Meera’s remarkable dexterity, expressive command, and undeniable joie de vivre made the performance truly unforgettable.

In frame Kathak dancer Pooja Pant | PC: Guru Vijay Shanker

The Kathak presentation by Pooja Pant and her accomplished troupe left a lasting impression with its impeccable coordination, rhythmic precision, and graceful uniformity. Each movement reflected a fine balance between individual expression and collective harmony, creating a visually and aesthetically engaging performance. Following a traditional invocation, the ensemble moved seamlessly into a Dhrupad composition, marked by its stately and meditative quality. This was followed by intricate rhythmic explorations in teen taal, showcasing technical command and synchronized footwork. The presentation further unfolded into a soulful Bhajan, culminating in a vibrant Tarana.

The finale was beautifully interwoven with poetic couplets celebrating the moon as the eternal symbol of love and romance, adding a lyrical dimension to the performance. A disciple of the renowned Kathak exponent Rajashree Shirke, Pooja Pant has carved a niche for herself through numerous performances across India and abroad. Her choreography and stage presence, combined with the dedication of her troupe, made the recital both engaging and memorable—an apt tribute within the larger spirit of the festival.

Pooja Pant received fine orchestral support in Tabla by Pt Vivek Mishra, Pakhawaj by Ganesh Sawant. Vocal by Rutuja Lal, Harmonioum by Pushkraj Bhagwat and Sitar by Aparna Deodhar.

Renowned Kathak exponent and mentor, Uma Dogra, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, reflects with deep emotion on the legacy of her guru, Durga Lal. “For the last 36 years, we have been organizing this festival as a tribute to my dear mentor, Pt. Durgalal, who left us far too early. We were all shattered. When I arrived in Mumbai, I felt a strong need to create a special smruti festival in his honour. He was truly a legend—one of the finest male dancers I have ever seen. His spirit lives on in all of us, and I deeply cherish the moments I shared with such a great maestro. This is my humble offering,” she shares.

Through the Samved Society for Performing Arts, Uma Dogra also curates the Raindrops Festival, held annually during the monsoon season in July. Conceived as a platform to nurture and encourage emerging classical dancers, the festival reflects her commitment to supporting the next generation of artists—whom she believes are the future of India’s cultural heritage.

Uma Dogra, along with her dedicated team of disciples, continues to represent the rich tradition of Kathak on some of the most prestigious stages in India and across the world, carrying forward a legacy rooted in devotion, excellence, and artistic integrity.