Kathak exponents cast a spell

SD Sharma

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Chandigarh, January 19

The first three-day ‘Kathak Utsav’ organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra, in collaboration with the National Kathak Kendra, opened to a majestic start with a superlative spell by Jaipur gharana kathak doyenne Dr Samira Koser at Tagore Theatre here today.

Supported by soothing music and pedant by her guru, Samira created a divine aura with invocatory Vishnu Stuti, ‘Kasturi tilakam’, before delineating the technical aspects of the dance.

Her captivating and graceful movements and fine footwork marked her act with concluding mand , ‘kaise jaun rokat girdhari’, amid applause. Delhi-based Kathak exponents Swati Wangnoo Tiwari and Jyoti Singh commenced recital with raga Khamaj-based bhajan followed by solo presentations of technical parts of Kathak by Swati and Jyoti in teen taal. 

The final presentation came from Pt Ram Mohan Maharaj, disciple and son of legendary Pt Shambhu Maharaj, who excelled from opening aaradhana to the traditional dance of Lucknow gharana.  Earlier, the utsav was inaugurated by Kathak Kendra’s Advisory Committee president Kamilini Asthana and Kendra Chairman SK Monga. The performing maestros were honored by guests, Chairman, Registrar and Secretary of the Kendra.