Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Udupi: Classical dance at the Infosys Yakshagana Kalaranga by Nritya Vasantha Natyalaya® Kundapura.

On the evening of Saturday, 10th May, the cultural heart of Udupi witnessed a remarkable presentation of classical dance at the Infosys Yakshagana Kalaranga by Nritya Vasantha Natyalaya® Kundapura. The event, titled "Sumanjula", was a beautiful tribute to the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam, curated by the scholarly Vidushi Smt. Sumangala Rathnakar Rao, and the intellectually vibrant Vidwan Sri Manjunath N. Puttur.
The evening began with the inaugural address by Guru Kalatilaka Sri Ullal Mohan Kumar, a recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava and Shantala Nritya Prashasti, who gracefully inaugurated the event, setting the tone for the evening’s cultural celebration.

The Pushpanjali in the Raga Saramathi set to Chaturashra Jhampe thaala was a stunning invocation written by Vid.Sumangala Rathnakar, where tradition met innovation through its unique choreography. Every movement offered not just flowers, but heartfelt devotion — woven beautifully with fresh patterns and rhythmic brilliance. The dancers’ grace, symmetry, and soulful energy made this Pushpanjali a captivating prelude, setting the perfect tone for the performance ahead.

The second item continued with a captivating Dwi-gati Alarippu composed by Vid. Manjunath N Puttur set to Adi thaala, that explored both Tishra and Chaturashra gatis with remarkable finesse. The dancers exhibited command over rhythm and timing. The performance of the Alaripu showcased the exceptional calibre of the Guru as a nattuvanar, highlighting their rhythmic precision, deep understanding of thaala, and ability to bring out the dancers’ full potential.

The third item was Shabdam in Raagamalika set to Mishrachapu thaala composed by Vid.Sumangala Ratnakar. It gracefully brought to life the divine saga of Lord Rama, from his celestial birth to his heroic deeds. The choreography captured the essence of Rama’s childhood — his mastery of the bow and arrow radiated discipline and divine purpose.The depiction of Rama protecting the yajna from demons was performed with stunning intensity, showcasing his valor and righteousness.Seetha Swayamvara was portrayed with such elegance and poise — the moment when Rama lifted the mighty bow was simply mesmerizing.

The fourth item was a Daru Varnam in Ragamalika set to Sankeerna jaati atta thaala composed by Vid. Manjunath N Puttur. The Varnam in praise of Goddess Durga Parameshwari, was a magnificent showcase of power, devotion, and sheer artistic brilliance. The dancers tackled the intricate jathi compositions with remarkable clarity and control. Each sequence radiated the fierce yet compassionate essence of Goddess Durga, blending intense footwork with expressive abhinaya. The choreography demanded both stamina and finesse, and the performance rose to meet that challenge, leaving the audience in awe of its spiritual depth and technical mastery.

The fifth item was Padam in Ragamalika set to Mishrachapu thaala composed by Vid.Sumangala Rathnakar. This padam beautifully portrayed three shades of love for Lord Krishna. At its heart was the Virahotkanthita Nāyika, aching in separation, her eyes filled with longing. The Swādhīnapatikā Nāyika radiated joy, basking in Krishna’s devoted presence. Meanwhile, the Vāsakasajjikā Nāyika adorned herself with quiet hope, preparing for his arrival. Through expressive abhinaya, the dancers captured the emotional spectrum of love—yearning, fulfillment, and anticipation—all centered around the divine presence of Krishna.

The sixth item was a devaranama in Ragamalika set to Thrishra gathi Adi thaala composed by Vid. Sumangala Rathnakar. This delightful Devaranama traced the enchanting life of Krishna—from the playful charm of a tiny Balakrishna, crawling with butter-laden hands, to the fierce slayer of Poothana, his divine power shining even in infancy. The narrative soared
as he conquered Kamsa, restoring dharma with divine might. Yet, the mischievous lover in him lingered sweetly, as he stole the hearts of the Gopikas, teasing them with gentle kisses and playful glances. A perfect blend of bhakti, leela, and rasa—this piece celebrated Krishna in all his glory.

The seventh item was a vibrant Thillana in Lavangi Raga, set to the intricate rhythms of Khanda Dhruva thaala, composed by Vid. Manjunath N Puttur. The piece was a mesmerizing journey through sharp, energetic beats and melodious nuances. The dancers’ mastery of footwork was on full display as they effortlessly navigated the complex jathis, each step resonating with the spirit of the raga.

The performance culminated with Mangalam in Madhyamavathi Raga set to Adi thaala.A dignified and auspicious conclusion that aptly brought the program to a graceful end. The stage came alive as five disciples- Yukthi Udupa, Poorvika, Sunidhi Udupa, Gargidevi, and Mahalakshmi C.G, stole the show completely, each one displaying impeccable precision and synchrony. They performed with poise, delivering exquisite renditions of classical Bharatanatyam compositions that mesmerized the audience and showcased
their profound understanding of the art.

The lyrical composition by Vid.Smt.Sumangala Ratnakar Rao, which was deeply appealing—rich in bhava, poetic beauty, and perfectly suited for expressive choreography. The lyrics carried the soul of each piece, drawing the audience into a world of devotion and grace. She was awarded "Nrithya Saahithya Vaaridhi" for her impeccable knowledge in lyrical compositions. The jathi compositions and rhythmic calculations in Vid. Manjunath N Puttur’s works were nothing short of brilliant—intellectually stimulating and artistically fluid, offering a perfect platform for the dancers to display their mastery. Each jathi was crafted with mathematical precision, yet flowed with natural grace. He was awarded "Nritya Gathi Praneetha" for his mastery over thaala and compositions.

The music ensemble of the program was nothing short of extraordinary. The musicians brought an unmatched depth to the performance, with each note resonating perfectly in harmony with the dancers’ movements. The intricate rhythms of the mridangam by Vid.Vinay Nagarajan,the soulful strains of the veena by Vid.Anantha Narayanan, and the melodic nuances of the flute by Vid.Nithish Ammannaya blended seamlessly, enhancing every moment of the performance. The Vocals by Vid.Shrikanth Gopalakrishnan was exceptional, adding a rich, resonant quality that elevated the entire experience. His voice, in perfect alignment with the music, brought an added layer of emotion and devotion to the pieces. The coordination between the vocalist and instrumentalists was impeccable, creating a divine synergy that made the performance unforgettable.

Captivating were the costumes—a stunning blend of tradition and elegance. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and graceful drapes enhanced the visual appeal, complementing every movement and expression on stage.

Overall, the programme was excellent, with meaningful lyrics, rhythmic execution, captivating performances, a well-coordinated music ensemble, and impressive lighting. It was truly a visual treat.

- Vid.Deeksha Ramakrishna