Rhythm & tradition: Pt Gangani’s Kathak recital mesmerises Shimla students

Auckland House School for Girls and St Thomas’ School, two of Shimla’s premier educational institutions, in collaboration with SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), hosted a captivating Kathak recital by Jaipur Gharana maestro and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Pandit Rajendra Gangani.

The performance featured pieces dedicated to Lord Ganesh and Lord Ram, vibrant rhythmic compositions and a dazzling jugalbandi between tabla and footwork. Each segment showcased the hallmark blend of rhythm, expression and storytelling that defines Kathak.

Pandit Gangani was accompanied by Kishore Kumar on tabla, Vinod Gangani on vocals and Ravi Sharma on sarangi. He spoke to students about Kathak as both a cultural treasure and a spiritual journey, urging the younger generation to preserve India’s classical traditions.

At Auckland House School, Principal Smaraki Samanthroy thanked SPIC MACAY for bringing such enriching experiences to the campus and acknowledged the media’s role in promoting the arts.

The maestro also performed at St Thomas’ School, where he addressed students, saying, “This art form is expanding rapidly. Art is not bound by gender; it is a spiritual practice and one must become a true practitioner to master it.”

Principal Vidhupriya Chakravarty welcomed Pandit Gangani, the SPIC MACAY team and other distinguished guests, reaffirming the school’s commitment to hosting cultural events. She noted that St Thomas’ School has been associated with SPIC MACAY since 2008, regularly presenting eminent artists to students through this collaboration.