This morning, the stage at the Little Theater Group, New Delhi came alive with an enchanting celebration of classical arts as the Manasija School of Dance and Music presented “Praroha,” curated by the illustrious Smt. Arunima Ghosh. The event witnessed a magnificent convergence of talent and esteemed guests, making it a resounding success and a milestone celebration for Manasija’s 10th anniversary.
As the chief guest, the eminent Guru Sharon Lowen graced the occasion with her presence. Guru Alaknanda, adorned as the guest of honor, added the touch reverence to the gathering. The esteemed presence of renowned Kathak Guru Saswati Sen and Odissi Guru Kavita Dwivedi further elevated the event, making it a gathering of legendary artists.
The auditorium was adorned with dignitaries, renowned artists, and an enthusiastic audience, all gathered to witness the spectacle that Praroha promised to be.
The program commenced with a mesmerizing Odissi performance, “Abhays and Jagannath Vandana,” brought to life by the youngest students of Manasija. The audience was captivated by the endearing sight of these little dancers, who effortlessly depicted precise mudras, chauka, and trivangi, showcasing their innate talent and dedication to the art form.
Following this, “Saraswati Vandana” graced the stage, an invocation to the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Manasija’s students from other cities, who learned online, traveled from Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune to present their art at Praroha, leaving the audience spellbound with their brilliant presentation.
The third piece, “Basant Pallavi,” transported the audience to a surreal world of grace and beauty, woven together by these young dancers with effortless finesse.
The stage then transformed into a realm of mythology with the riveting performance of “Dashavatar,” a portrayal of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The dancers’ impeccable technique, emotive abhinaya, and captivating stage presence artfully depicted the timeless tales, perfectly complemented by the brilliant light designer, Shri Sandeep Dutta.
The Odissi section concluded with the soulful “Madhurastakam,” a poetic dance offering expressing unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna’s sweetness. Once again, the students of Manasija showcased their exceptional talent and devotion, leaving the audience moved and inspired.
The next section unveiled the captivating art of Mohiniyattam, presented by the students of the International Academy of Mohiniyattam under the guidance of Guru Jayaprabha Menon. Dancers enthralled the audience with the invocatory item, “Cholkettu,” a pure technical nritta item that beautifully showcased the essence of Mohiniyattam.
The finale of the event featured the dazzling performance of Kathak by the students of Guru Alaknanda Dasgupta. “Ardhanariswar” and “Ashtamangal,” choreographed brilliantly by Guru Alaknanda, left the audience in awe.
Praroha will be etched in the hearts of all present, and the applause and appreciation of the audience resonate as a testament to the brilliance and devotion that unfolded on the stage. As the curtains drew close, Praroha remains an ode to the timeless beauty and enduring spirit of classical arts, bringing us all together in a celebration of grace and artistry.
Distinguished guests and Gurus praised the commendable efforts of Arunima Ghosh in nurturing the talents of the students of Manasija, creating a legacy of art and dedication.
