An evening with Indian Classical Dance was held recently at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre performed by renowned exponent and teacher of Bharat Natyam, Pinky Ghosh and her dance troupe.
The event was held as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating India @75, the Programme organised by North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur Ministry of Culture India on the theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.
Three participating states were Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
The dance recital ‘Alarippu’ (meaning flowering bud) was performed at the event. The dance is traditionally the first dance piece that Bharatanatyam dancers learn and perform in this type of classical dance recital. It is an invocation piece, symbolizing the offering of respects to God, the guru, and the audience. The act is entirely based on rhythm and is focused on relaxing the body of the dancer, thereby relaxing their mind and symbolizes their awakening. It is generally taught to dancers first in Tishra Ekam tala.
The Alarippu was followed by the recital titled “Mooshika Vahana”. The second performance is an abstract dance that is invocatory in nature known as Thodayam followed by another Bharatnatyam recital dedicated to Lord Shiva (Natesha Kauthuvam).
Swami Divyaswarupanandaji Maharaj who attended the event as chief guest highlighted the importance and significance of culture in a Nation’s life.
