Manasija Brought Alive a Timeless Celebration of Three Indian Classical Dance Forms with SAMASRAVA: “An Ode to Classical Heritage”

On December 10th, 2024, the Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre came alive with the ethereal beauty of Indian classical dance forms performed by renowned artists from across India – Odissi by Arunima Ghosh & troupe and YSNA Awardee Vinod Kevin Bachan, Bharatnatyam by Arohi Munshi and Kathak by Diksha Rawat.

Presented by Manasija, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting timeless art forms, “SAMASRAVA: An Ode to Classical Heritage” was also an opportunity to felicitate Shri Avinash Pasricha, a legendary performing arts photographer, and Vidushi Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, a distinguished scholar and cultural advocate, with the prestigious Manasija Samman 2024, recognizing the two legends for their extraordinary contributions to the realm of culture and arts.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this captivating evening was hosted by Sadhna Shrivastav.

“SAMASRAVA” was more than just a performance; it was a cultural odyssey that took the audience on a journey through time. Each dance form, with its unique style, rhythm, and expression, told a story of love, devotion, and the human experience. The festival aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, showcasing the timeless relevance of classical dance in today’s world.

Arunima Ghosh’s Odissi performance, inspired by Adi Shankaracharya’s Jagannath Ashtakam, evoked the spirit of Lord Jagannath through a tapestry of devotional scenes, from serene morning prayers to the vibrant energy of Rathayatra. This performance was a tribute to both her personal heritage and the timeless devotion to the Lord.

Her second performance, Yahi Madhava, was a poignant composition by the 12th-century saint-poet Jayadeva from the Gita Govinda. Arunima portrayed the emotional turmoil of Radha, expressing her anguish and frustration as she confronted Krishna’s infidelity. This emotionally charged abhinaya piece, choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, beautifully portrayed Radha’s love, sorrow, and vulnerability through subtle facial expressions and graceful gestures.

In her third performance, NrittaLeela, an evocative Odissi choreography, celebrated the dance form’s sculptural beauty and lyrical flow. Set to the mesmerizing melodies of Rageshri raga, it unfolded from serene stillness to dynamic expressions of joy, paying homage to Odissi’s timeless elegance and spiritual depth.

About Manasija

Manasija, co-founded by Arunima Ghosh and Sanjit Debroy, is a registered organization dedicated to the education and training of Indian classical dance and music. The organization is committed to preserving and promoting these art forms through various initiatives, including workshops, performances, and outreach programs.