Kathak Sandhya Illuminates Lucknow with Traditional Dance Performances
The Rai Umanath Bali auditorium in Lucknow came alive on Tuesday with the vibrant rhythms of Kathak during a special event titled 'Kathak Sandhya'. Organized jointly by the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan (BMKS) and the Uttar Pradesh culture department, the evening was a celebration of India's rich classical dance heritage.
Monthly Initiative to Preserve Cultural Roots
Kum Kum Dhar Chowdhury, chairperson of BMKS, announced during the event that such programmes will now be organized every month. The primary goal is to promote Kathak among younger generations, encouraging them to embrace traditional dance forms rather than exclusively following western dance trends. "This initiative aims to let youngsters know about our traditional dance instead of following only western dance forms," Chowdhury emphasized, highlighting the cultural preservation mission.
Artistic Presentations Steeped in Mythology
The main performer of the evening, Manisha Mishra, delivered a captivating presentation based on the sacred five-syllable mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Her performance artistically portrayed various forms of Lord Shiva, blending spiritual themes with classical dance movements. For her concluding item, Mishra chose a thumri composition titled "Dagar beech kaise chaloon, pag roke Kanhaiya", which beautifully depicted the tender and eternal bond between Radha and Krishna.
Distinguished Guests Grace the Occasion
The event was honored by the presence of Prof Sunita Mishra, acting vice-chancellor of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, who served as the chief guest. Mithilesh Tiwari, vice-president of BMKS, was also present on the occasion, underscoring the institutional support for cultural initiatives. The auditorium atmosphere was charged with artistic energy as attendees witnessed the seamless fusion of tradition and performance artistry.
This Kathak Sandhya represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to revitalize interest in classical Indian dance forms. By committing to monthly events, organizers hope to create a sustained platform where both established and emerging Kathak artists can showcase their talent while educating audiences about this intricate dance tradition that dates back centuries.
