The sixth Delhi International Arts Festival, showcasing performances by artistes from various parts of India and 30 countries, including Pakistan, Hungary, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Turkey and Iran, concluded on 10 November 2012. Organized by the Prasiddha Foundation and ICCR, the festival was held at various venues in the capital from October 27 to November 10.
Nrityabharati, academy for Bharatanatyam and premiere dance academy of West Delhi was blessed to participate in this esteemed festival on the concluding day at India Habitat Centre.
Founded by Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar, Nrityabharati’s senior disciples (who are also teachers and youth performers) presented “NRITYASANGAM” a collage of three dance pieces, conceived and choreographed specially for the coming Diwali celebrations.
The artistes of the evening were Vipanchi Rao, SreeLaksmi M. Nair, Rashmi Mohan, Parvathy Ramesh and Sapna Anil Attavar.
The performance started with Naatyanjali, in Ragamalika and Talamalika. This piece pays obeisance to Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, Saraswati the Goddess of all art forms, Vishnu (the Creator and Protector), Siva the Destructor and Manifestor, and the Guru . The ‘Anjali Hasta’ denotes respect to the Gods and elders; and is a traditional symbol of India.
The second item was aptly timed, with Diwali round the corner. The artistes welcomed Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity. The five dancers portrayed Ashtalakshmi, comprising Vidhya Lakshmi (Knowledge), Dhana Lakshmi (Wealth), Dhanyalakshmi (Food), Dhairyalakshmi (Courage), Veeralakshmi (Victory), Jaya Lakshmi (Confidence) and Adi Lakshmi, the Mother of All.
The recital concluded with Thillana in Rag Desh and Tal Adi. The group choreography of Thillana was done specially for this evening. The dancers Parvathy, Lakshmi, Rashmi, Sapna and Vipanchi displayed flawless harmony, brilliant footwork and graceful movements; and mesmerized the discerning audience with scuplturesque poses, in which each of them in their glorious costumes and beautiful make-up truly resembled our Goddesses.
The dancers were felicitated on the occasion by DIAF. Mrs. Mythili Attavar, General Secretary S.U.N.A.INA was honoured on stage and received a bouquet and memento from the organizers on behalf of Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar.