Saraswathy Kala Kendra and Research Centre, Mumbai, organised a special programme on the occasion of Guru Poornima, celebrating the ceremony of the dancing bells – Salangai and Gajja Pooja – in the Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance traditions. The ceremony was held for young students who had completed the basic repertoire and were ready to take the stage for their debut performance.
The programme was held on Saturday, 8 August, at the beautiful Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Natyagruha in Mira Road. Both the children and their parents were excited about the occasion. As most of the students were taking the stage for the first time, they were understandably a little nervous too.
Saraswathy Kala Kendra was established by accomplished Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi exponent Natya Sharada Guru Subitha Murali and has been successfully functioning in Mira Road for over three decades. Many dance aspirants have learnt the art of classical dance at the Kendra.
Guru Subitha Murali said, “The ceremony of the dancing bells is of particular importance, as the bells are considered sacred by dancers. They are therefore placed at the altar of the Gods to seek blessings and divine intervention, which hold great significance in the field of Indian classical dance.”
The presiding deities of Indian classical dance are Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Saraswathy, the Goddess of learning and knowledge. Before the performance, the dancing bells are worshipped. After seeking the blessings of the gurus and elders, the dancer wears the bells and presents the much-awaited performance.
The eight dancers who performed on the occasion were Harshini Reddy, Ritisha Kushal, Mehika Sawant, Garima Pandey, Nishi Perumal, Adwita Ovhal, Saanvee Nayak and Meghana Kandivilikar.
Harshini Reddy and Adwita Ovhal performed Kuchipudi numbers that included the thrilling Manduka Sabdam, while the other dancers presented selected traditional compositions such as Ganesh Kautuvam, Alarippu, Jatiswaram and Sabdam. The dancers performed with great enthusiasm and can certainly progress further with continued sadhana and greater stage exposure.
The dancers received fine musical support from Guru Subitha Murali on nattuvangam, Sandhya Pisharody on vocals, Shaktidharan on mridangam, Guru Shekar Tanjorkar on violin and Raghavendra Baliga on flute.
The distinguished guests felicitated on the occasion included veteran film journalist Jyothi Venkatesh; Bharatanatyam exponents Guru Rajendra Naidu, Guru Shashi Ramesh, Guru Uma Devi and Guru Vidya Sriram; and Kuchipudi exponent and eminent arts critic Guru Vijay Shanker.
Guru Subitha Murali has trained several dance aspirants over the past few decades and has participated in some of the most prestigious dance festivals in India and overseas.
