Classical dance institution South Kolkata Nrityangan presented its first classical dance festival, Nrityasamaroh, at ICCR on February 18. Students of the institution commenced the evening’s programme with a group dance led by their guru, Bharatanatyam exponent Jhinook Mukherjee Sinha. Mohiniyattam dancer Gopika Verma of Kerala performed Parvati Darpanam, based on a story about Lord Shiva and Parvati. Acclaimed Odissi artiste Gajendra Panda of Odisha presented Navarasa, a solo recital based on the Mahanataka episode of Ramayana. Sandeep Mallik of Delhi Kathak Kendra performed an invocation and veneration of Lord Shiva, followed by a traditional Kathak recital. Manipuri danseuse Bimbavati Devi performed Mahashakti, an invocation to Goddess Jagaddhatri, choreographed by her, and Vasudha, a performance based on Bhumisuktam from Atharva Veda. Eminent Bharatanatyam dancer Rajdeep Banerjee presented Meera Bhajan, a piece on Mirabai’s devotion to Lord Krishna. Concept and direction: Jhinook Mukherjee Sinha.
“Nrityasamaroh is specially curated to provide a platform to talented dancers. This show aims to shed light on the budding talents whose skills and creativity remain obscure due to socio-economic issues and the unfair challenges life imposed on them. By rendering support, our pledge is to assist the young, underprivileged artistes to overcome all limitations and disparities surrounding them so that they can achieve honour, recognition and flourish further,” said Jhinook Mukherjee Sinha.