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On December 10th, 2024, the Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre came alive with the ethereal beauty of Indian classical dance forms performed by renowned artists from across India – Odissi by Arunima Ghosh & troupe and YSNA Awardee Vinod Kevin Bachan, Bharatnatyam by Arohi Munshi, and Kathak by Diksha Rawat. Chief Guest of the event was Smt. Pranaame Bhagawati, Director, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi who inaugurated the event with ceremonial lamp lighting along with other distinguished guests of the evening.
Manasija, a non-profit organization co-founded by Arunima Ghosh and Sanjit Debroy is dedicated to preserving and promoting timeless art forms, presented “SAMASRAVA: An Ode to Classical Heritage”, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, captivating the spectators to celebrate the rich legacy of Indian classical dance. The event also honoured Shri Avinash Pasricha, a legendary performing arts photographer, and Vidushi Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, a distinguished scholar and cultural advocate, with the prestigious Manasija Samman 2024, recognising their extraordinary contributions to the realm of culture and arts.
'SAMASRAVA 2024', hosted by Sadhna Srivastava was more than just a performance; it was a cultural odyssey that took the audience on a journey through time. Each dance form, with its unique style, rhythm, and expression, told a story of love, devotion, and the human experience. The festival aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, showcasing the timeless relevance of classical dance in today’s world.
Manasija also presented a captivating photo art display by Sanjit Debroy, a photographer who has been a part of the art and dance culture industry for the past 14 years. Known for his ability to capture the soul of performance through his lens, Sanjit has photographed some of the most celebrated artists in India, including Pt. Birju Maharaj, Ustad Zakir Hussain, and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, among others. The photography exhibition was also attended by the distinguished and pioneering legend of performing arts photography, Shri Avinash Pasricha, whose presence added a special touch to the display.
Arunima Ghosh presented her Odissi performance, inspired by Adi Shankaracharya’s Jagannath Ashtakam, evoking the spirit of Lord Jagannath through a tapestry of devotional scenes, from serene morning prayers to the vibrant energy of Rathayatra. This performance was a tribute to both her personal heritage and the timeless devotion to the Lord. Her second performance, Yahi Madhava, was a poignant composition by the 12th-century saint-poet Jayadeva from the Gita Govinda. Arunima portrayed the emotional turmoil of Radha, expressing her anguish and frustration as she confronted Krishna's infidelity. This emotionally charged abhinaya piece, choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, beautifully portrayed Radha's love, sorrow, and vulnerability through subtle facial expressions and graceful gestures. Her third performance, Nritta Leela, celebrated Odissi’s sculptural beauty and lyrical flow. Set to the mesmerising melodies of Rageshri raga, it unfolded from serene stillness to dynamic expressions of joy, paying homage to Odissi's timeless elegance and spiritual depth.
Vinod Kevin Bachan performed a solo dance drama titled “Devi Mahamaya: The Rise of the Divine Shakti.” This piece explored the divine energy that gave birth to Durga. Born from the collective wrath and strength of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura, Durga embodied the essence of their divine attributes. This performance, specially choreographed by Guru Ranjana Gauhar, was set to music composed by Acharya Bamkin Sethi.
Arohi Munshi presented two traditional Bharatnatyam compositions choreographed by her mother, Guru Dr. Lata Munshi. The first, “Shringara Lahiri” by Lingaraj Urs, set in the Raagam Neelambari to Adi Taalam, described the goddess as the embodiment of art and music, holding a veena and representing beauty and rhythm. The second, “Krishna Ni Begane Baro” by Vyasatirtha, set in the Raagam Yamuna Kalyani to Mishra Chaapu taalam, portrayed Mother Yashoda calling out to Krishna, describing his divine beauty and playful nature.
Diksha Rawat began with Taal Ashtamangal, an 11-beat Kathak cycle. Choreographed by Guru Uma Dogra, this piece featured uthaan, thaat, and aamad in Vilambit laya, set to Raag Bhinna Shadaj. Her second presentation was an Abhinaya piece, a traditional Banaras Gharana Thumri titled “Dagar Beech Kaise Chalu Mangdado Kanhaiyyabe bir.” Radha pleaded with Krishna to let her go, expressing mixed emotions when he didn’t. Guru Uma Dogra had integrated lines from Dharamveer Bharati’s “Kannupriya” to deepen the emotional impact.
The event was made even more memorable by the technical expertise of Sandeep Dutta (SNA awardee), who served as the Technical Director. The video recording of the event was handled by Pawan Gusain, while Krishna Chakraborty took charge of photography, ensuring that every moment was beautifully captured.
Through “SAMASRAVA”, Manasija sought to not only entertain but also educate and inspire. By showcasing the diverse beauty of Indian classical dance, the organization hoped to foster a deeper appreciation for these timeless art forms and ensure their legacy for future generations.
Thank you, Amrapali Magazine