The Gokul Center for Cultural Education, under the aegis of the venerable Bombay South Kanara Brahmin (BSKB) Association—affectionately known as Gokul—is poised to celebrate a centennial of community, culture, and devotion with the premiere of Praana Sakhi: The Eight Praṇas of Krishna. This unique presentation will grace the Saraswati Auditorium, Sion (East), Mumbai, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
Founded in 1925, the BSKB Association has been an enduring beacon of cultural, social, and religious engagement in Mumbai, supported by the iconic Gokul building—home to generations of devotional and artistic initiatives. As part of its centennial celebrations, themed “Unity, Tradition, and Culture,” Gokul is presenting a year-long tapestry of performances and events, with Praana Sakhi as a luminous highlight.
The performance, conceived by renowned art consultant Dr. Usha Rk, author, organiser, and former Member‑Secretary of India’s Ministry of Culture (Intangible Cultural Heritage), brings a wealth of thematic ingenuity and classical understanding. Her celebrated body of work reflects a commitment to crafting meaningful, research-driven dance presentations—making her a fitting visionary for this offering.
In Praana Sakhi, the eight companion spirits of Krishna—the prāṇas—come alive through a stellar ensemble:
- Pavitra Bhat embodies Sri Krishna with devotion-infused presence;
- Arundhati Patwardhan and Sagarika Patwardhan evoke Chitra and Sudevi;
- Keerthana Ravi and Sayani Chakraborty take on Lalita and Tungavidya;
- Kavya Kasinathan and Sneha Bhagwat grace as Champakalatā and Rangadevi;
- Vaidehi Rele Lal and Trusha Panchal appear as Vishakha and Indulekha.
Accompaniment by a sublime music ensemble enriches the narrative: Sujesh Menon (vocal & Nattuvangam), Vidya Harikrishna (Vocal), Prajesh Nair (Mridangam), and Raghunandan R. (Flute) ensure a deeply evocative soundscape.
This is not merely a performance, but a devotional offering—each thought and movement of the Praana Sakhis is rooted in unwavering love for Shri Krishna and Radharani. Through Dr. Usha RK’s inspired direction and the performers’ devotion, Praana Sakhi promises to be both a feast for the senses and a spiritual voyage.
Rasikas seeking an evening of classical reverence and thematic depth should mark their calendars. Praana Sakhi promises to be a poignant jewel in Gokul’s centennial crown—one that honours the past, celebrates the present, and sustains the cultural legacy of the BSKB Association for decades to come.
Donor passes for this sublime evening may be secured via BookMyShow.
