The historic city of Lucknow became a vibrant hub of classical arts on Friday as the Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya celebrated the second day of its grand three-day centenary festival. The audience was treated to a magnificent display of India's rich cultural heritage, featuring spellbinding performances in Kathak, Thumri, Dadra, and Taal by some of the country's most renowned artists.
A Rhythmic Morning with Tabla and Kathak
The day's celebrations commenced with an energetic and powerful performance by the famous tabla maestro Akram Ali Khan. He presented intricate compositions of Delhi qaida and taal, setting a high standard for the day. Sharing his insights, Khan emphasized that a tabla player must possess a deep understanding of rhythm (taal) and a distinct personal style. He also highlighted the equal importance of both solo and accompanied performances for a percussionist's growth.
Following this, the stage was graced by the legendary Pandit Tribhuvan Maharaj, who delivered a captivating Kathak performance. He began with a divine 'Ganesh Vandana', moved into spontaneous improvisations ('Upaj') in teen taal, and beautifully enacted episodes from the Radha Krishna leela. His performance concluded with the dynamic Braj Taal, leaving the audience mesmerized.
An Evening of Soulful Melodies and Theatre
The evening session was equally magnificent, headlined by the soulful voice of celebrated singer Malini Awasthi. She mesmerized everyone with her renditions of poignant thumris and dadras. Her repertoire for the night included beloved pieces like 'Hey Mahadev Maheshwara', 'Tohe leke sawariya bairan', and 'dekhe bina nahi chain', weaving a magical auditory tapestry for the listeners.
The grand cultural day concluded with a theatrical presentation. The Rangpeeth theatre group staged the play 'Mohe Piya', adding a dramatic narrative element to the festival of music and dance.
More Stellar Performances from Kathak Legends
Adding to the day's glory, Pandit Deepak Maharaj presented a profound Kathak performance. He started with 'guru awahan' (invocation of the teacher) and then performed eloquently on expressive thumris such as 'jaane de maika' and 'suno re sajanwa'.
Furthermore, Pandit Ram Mohan Maharaj enthralled the crowd with his dance. He began with a devotional song dedicated to Lord Krishna, 'jaaki mahima hai sab sukhdayi', and followed it with a graceful presentation on the thumri 'dagar chalat shyam kar gaihiyan'.
The second day of the centenary celebration successfully showcased the depth and diversity of Indian classical arts, paying a fitting tribute to the legacy of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. The event underscored Lucknow's enduring status as a nurturing ground for cultural excellence and left the audience eagerly awaiting the final day's festivities.
