Legend of the Lord and his divine consorts

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, June 24

Yet another choreographic spectacle, “Nritya Mala” epitomising the lyrical splendor and sophistication of Odissi classical dance marked the Day 2 of the ongoing National Classical Dance Festival at Tagore Theatre today.

Presented by Padma Shri recipient Guru Geeta Mahalik and her five disciples, the performance commenced with an invocatory prologue “Bhuje sarve deho” in Raga Vibhas before staging the Krishan leela. Based on the poetry of Surdas, the performance depicted various legends linked to Krishna, including his childhood days with his divine consort Radha and Kalia daman besides his complaint to Yashodha about Balram. Through the romance-filled dance “Rasmanjari”, the performers asserted Krishna’s omnipresence in the company of Gopis.

The concluding but memorable “Ramastuti”, based on a musical composition by Swati Thirunal, brought alive the entire Ramayana on the stage through meticulously designed and executed mudras of the dance composition.

Exhibiting the professional excellence, Guru Geeta Mahalik led her dancers to depict emotions of joy, hope, pathos, uncertainty and celebrations.