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.
Presented by Manasija, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting timeless art forms, “SAMASRAVA: An Ode to Classical Heritage” was also an opportunity to felicitate 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, recognizing the two legends for their extraordinary contributions to the realm of culture and arts.
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this captivating evening was hosted by Sadhna Shrivastav.
“SAMASRAVA” 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.
Arunima Ghosh’s Odissi performance, inspired by Adi Shankaracharya’s Jagannath Ashtakam, evoked 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.
In her third performance, NrittaLeela, an evocative Odissi choreography, celebrated the dance form’s sculptural beauty and lyrical flow. Set to the mesmerizing 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. Her ten arms, each wielding a celestial weapon, symbolized her multifaceted power. Riding a lion, she represented the ultimate feminine power, an unstoppable force against evil.
This piece, specially choreographed by Guru Ranjana Gauhar for Kevin, was taken from a larger dance drama. The concept and choreography were by Guru Ranjana Gauhar, while the music composition was by Acharya Bamkin Sethi.
Arohi Munshi presented two traditional compositions choreographed by her mother, Guru Dr. Lata Munshi. The first composition, “Shringara Lahiri” by Lingaraj Urs, was set in the Raagam Neelambari to Adi taalam. It described the goddess as the embodiment of art and music, holding a veena and representing beauty and rhythm. The second composition, “Krishna ni begane baro” by Vyasatirtha, was set in the Raagam Yamuna Kalyani to Mishra Chaapu taalam. It portrayed Mother Yashoda calling out to Krishna, describing his divine beauty and playful nature.
The performances were accompanied by renowned musicians: Vidushi Sudha Raghuraman on vocals and nattuvaangam, Vidwan M. V. Chandrashekhar on mridangam, and Vidwan G. Raghuraman on flute.
Diksha Rawat began with Taal Ashtamangal, a crucial 11-beat Kathak cycle. Choreographed by Guru Uma Dograji, 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 beer.” Radha pleaded with Krishna to let her go, expressing mixed emotions when he didn’t. Guru Uma Dograji had integrated lines from Dharamveer Bharati’s “Kannupriya” to deepen the emotional impact. The thumri was set in Raag Mishra Khamaj, Dadra Taal, and was sung by Shailendra Bharati ji.
“Odissi is not merely a dance form; it’s a profound journey through India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Each movement, each expression, is a testament to the rich panorama of our traditions,” shared Arunima Ghosh, the renowned Odissi exponent and founder of Manasija. “Through ‘SAMASRAVA,’ we aimed to ignite a passion for classical dance in the hearts of our audience.”
Joining Arunima Ghosh and her troupe was the talented Vinod Kevin Bachan, who mesmerized the audience with his Odissi virtuosity. “Odissi is my life, my breath, my soul. It’s a divine language that transcends words, connecting the dancer to the cosmic rhythm,” he said.
The evening also witnessed the graceful performances of Arohi Munshi, a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer from Bhopal. “Bharatnatyam is a celebration of femininity, a journey of self-discovery, and a communion with the divine. It’s a dance that speaks to the soul,” she shared.
The Kathak maestro, Diksha Rawat from Mumbai, concluded the evening with a scintillating performance. “Kathak is a symphony of rhythm, a kaleidoscope of stories, and a celebration of life. It’s a dance that empowers, inspires, and uplifts,” she said.
To make this event even more memorable, Sandeep Dutta (SNA awardee) was appointed as the Technical Director. Pawan Gusain handled the video recording of the event, while Krishna Chakraborty took care of the photography. This team of talented artists collectively made the event an unforgettable experience.
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.
About Manasija
Manasija, co-founded by Arunima Ghosh and Sanjit Debroy, is a registered organization dedicated to the education and training of Indian classical dance and music. The organization is committed to preserving and promoting these art forms through various initiatives, including workshops, performances, and outreach programs.
