A unique artistic presentation at an annual interfaith Christmas celebration in Goa beautifully merged Indian classical dance with the Christian Nativity story, offering a profound message of unity. Four talented dancers captivated the audience with a Bharatanatyam performance depicting the birth of Jesus, based on the Gospels.
A Divine Narrative Through Dance
The performance, titled 'Cradle of Light', was organized by the Society of Pilar at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Panaji on December 21. The quartet of dancers—Impana Kulkarni, Parijat Naik, Srushti Prabhudesai, and Sakshi Borkar—brought various Nativity stories from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to life through the intricate gestures and expressions of Bharatanatyam.
Impana Kulkarni, who served as the choreographer and director of the presentation, explained the vision behind their performance. She stated that through their dance, the group aimed to vividly portray the Nativity story, highlighting not merely the historical birth of Jesus but the universal essence of love and hope that the event symbolizes.
Sadbhav Christmas: A Celebration of Communal Harmony
The dance was a central part of Sadbhav Christmas, an annual event designed as an interfaith gathering. It successfully brought together people from diverse religious backgrounds to celebrate the Christmas spirit, using cultural programmes as a medium to showcase peace and communal harmony.
The event featured several dignitaries who reinforced this message of unity. Fr Lawrence Fernandes, the director of the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, formally welcomed the gathering. Adding to the festive atmosphere, students from Fr Agnel College of Arts & Commerce in Pilar performed the Konkani Christmas carol "Mari Matek Ballok Zala". This carol was originally penned by the renowned Goan poet Manohar Rai Sardesai and set to music by Michael Martins.
Messages of Unity and Inclusion
In his Christmas message, Taha Haaziq, the secretary of the Goa State Commission for Disabilities, addressed the attendees. He spoke eloquently about the critical importance of fostering and maintaining cordial relations between various faith communities. His words underscored the event's core mission of promoting dialogue and understanding in a diverse society.
This innovative presentation at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre demonstrates how traditional art forms can transcend cultural and religious boundaries. By interpreting a central Christian story through the classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam, the artists created a powerful symbol of India's composite culture and the shared human values of hope, love, and joy.
