Santati: A Timeless Tribute to Kathak Tradition
On November 12, the cultural hub of Triveni Kala Sangam witnessed an extraordinary evening dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Kathak dance. Titled Santati, this meticulously curated performance was presented by the Guru Kundanlal Gangani Foundation, offering Delhi's art enthusiasts a profound glimpse into the authentic traditions of the Jaipur gharana.
The Structure of Santati: A Cyclical Journey
The evening unfolded with the precision and generative quality of a tala cycle, beginning with a cohesive ensemble piece that framed a sequence of concentrated solos. This structural approach allowed each artist to showcase their individual mastery while maintaining the collective spirit of the tradition. The curation reflected the deep-rooted aesthetic principles that have defined the Jaipur gharana for generations.
Stellar Performances That Captivated Audiences
Sanjeet Gangani delivered a powerful solo performance that demonstrated exceptional stewardship of the art form. Accompanied by an ensemble of master musicians including Pandit Fateh Singh Gangani, Kishor Gangani, Ashish Gangani, Azeem Ali and Vinod Gangani, his performance showcased how disciplined riyaaz (practice) shapes measured chakkars (spins), precise tatkar (footwork) and considered abhinaya (expression).
The Niritya Dhara ensemble brought together three talented artists - Bhavani Devda, Preeti Sheware and Kalyani Chaurasiya - who exemplified perfectly matched bols (rhythmic syllables), focused phrasing and collective poise. Their synchronized performance paid heartfelt tribute to the enduring aesthetic values of Kathak.
Archisa Vishwakarma presented another remarkable solo, accompanied by Harish Gangani, Kishor Gangani, Ashish Gangani and Azeem Ali. Her performance beautifully married exacting tatkar and skilled layakari (rhythmic play) with refined abhinaya, demonstrating both technical prowess and emotional depth.
The evening concluded with Deepak Aurora's vigorous solo, accompanied by Yogesh Gangani, Kishor Gangani, Azeem Ali and Vinod Gangani. His performance created a compelling dialogue between the architectural precision of tala and its expressive sweep, leaving the audience mesmerized.
Preserving Legacy Through Performance
Reflecting on the significance of Santati, Sanjeet Gangani shared: "Santati is an offering to a timeless legacy. We perform to keep the tradition breathing - transmitted through disciplined riyaaz, shared rehearsal and the steady attention of each generation."
The artists of Niritya Dhara ensemble described their collaborative work as "an exercise in listening" - where distinct voices align to create a single, sustained line of feeling and form. This philosophy perfectly captured the essence of the evening, where individual excellence served collective tradition.
Santati successfully demonstrated how classical Indian dance forms continue to thrive through dedicated practitioners who honor their heritage while bringing fresh energy to timeless traditions. The event stood as a testament to the Gangani family's commitment to preserving and propagating the authentic Kathak traditions of the Jaipur gharana for future generations.
