Lucknow Celebrates 88th Birth Anniversary of Kathak Doyen Birju Maharaj
The 88th birth anniversary of the revered Kathak maestro, Pandit Birju Maharaj, was celebrated with great fervor in Lucknow on Thursday. The event, titled 'Birju Maharaj Jayanti Samaroh', featured captivating dance performances and the screening of a documentary that chronicled his illustrious life and times.
Honoring a Legendary Artist
Pandit Birju Maharaj was a multifaceted artist—a dancer, composer, singer, and a prominent exponent of the 'Kalka Bindadin' gharana of Kathak. Organized by the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan at Kala Mandapam, the celebration brought together troupes from across India to pay tribute to his enduring legacy.
Dance Performances Showcase Tradition
The event commenced with a performance by the mother and son duo, Marmi Meghi and Meghranjani, from Assam. They presented 'Ganesh Vandana' in the Lucknow gharana style, set to the tune of 'Tejore kamla pothi'. Their act concluded with the graceful 'Mayur chaal' (peacock walk) and 'Ashv chaal' (horse trot), showcasing the intricate movements characteristic of Kathak.
Another highlight was the performance by a troupe led by Kumudini Lakhiya from Ahmedabad. They performed Kathak in the Lucknow gharana style in an act titled 'Ab hum kahan jayenge', which delved into themes of life, its depth, mysteries, and struggles, reflecting the emotional richness of the dance form.
Documentary Chronicles Life and Struggles
A short film screened at the event provided a poignant look into Pandit Birju Maharaj's life, struggles, and contributions. The documentary traced the journey of 'kathiks' (storytellers through dance) from Handia, Allahabad, to Awadh during the reign of Nawab Asaf ud Daula.
It detailed how, after the death of his father, Birju Maharaj began learning Kathak at the age of nine from his uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachchhu Maharaj. To support his family, he later took up tutoring students, eventually establishing himself as a choreographer in notable films such as 'Shatranj ke Khiladi', 'Devdas', 'Dedh Ishkiya', and 'Bajirao Mastani'.
Legacy and Future of Kathak
Chairperson of BMKS, Kum Kum Dhar Chowdhury, emphasized the lasting impact of Pandit Birju Maharaj. "The contribution and legacy of Pandit Birju Maharaj will live in our hearts forever," she said. "Every time we presented the traditional Kathak of Lucknow gharana developed by Birju Maharaj, he expressed his wish that it should be promoted far and wide."
The chief guest for the event was Purnima Pandey, a renowned dancer and former Vice Chancellor of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, who added prestige to the celebration with her presence.
This anniversary event not only honored the memory of a legendary artist but also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Kathak for future generations.
