Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Mehta Vidyalaya organized a Mohiniyattam dance recital by Vidushi Bharati Shivaji under the aegis of SPIC MACAY, on November 22nd, 2018. SPIC MACAY's Virasat has become an annual feature of Mehta Vidyalaya and it aims at spreading and promoting Indian culture and art forms among the youth and at the same time sensitizing India's youth to the rich cultural legacy of the country.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Vidushi Bharati Shivaji greeted everyone with a warm 'namaskar' and spoke about Mohiniyattam, a popular dance form of Kerala. She explained that the term 'mohini' refers to a woman who enchants onlookers and attam is the graceful and sensuous movements of the body. She further pointed out the role of Abhinaya in Mohiniyattam saying that Angika Abhinaya means the movements of the torso, upper and lower limbs while Vachika Abhinaya was musicians lending their voice through instruments and Satvika Abhinaya was making expressions (Natyadharmi) through eyes and facial muscles. Her accompanists were Shri Sadam Rajgopal on Vocals and Manjiras, Jain P. Dass on the Mridangam and Madhalam, Shri Kumar on the Idakka and Shrimati Shyamala Bhaskar on the Saraswati Veena.
The dance exponent began with 'Cholkettu', an invocation to goddess Bhagavati which ends with a prayer to Lord Shiva. Various Nava Rasas like Shringara Rasa (beauty), Vir Rasa (bravery), Hasya Rasa (laughter), Raudra Rasa (anger), Bhaya Rasa (fear) and Shant Rasa (peace) were demonstrated by her. She enthralled the audience with her mesmerizing footwork, facial expressions and homogeneity in presentation.
A dialogue between the instruments Mridangam and Idakka was also demonstrated which captivated the 200 odd audience, which included students from classes 5th and 8th.
Shri Ashok Pradhan, Director BVB's Delhi Kendra extended a warm welcome to the eminent artiste and her accompanists for their fine presentation. He also extended his gratitude to SPICMACAY for organizing events which highlight Indian dance forms. He exhorted the students to cultivate an interest in classical dances. He also stressed the importance of making decisions and choices which ultimately lead to success.
After the lecture-cum-demonstration, the artist and her accompanying artists were felicitated by Shri Ashok Pradhan (Director, BVB's Delhi Kendra), Shri C. K. Arya (Manager, BVB), Dr.(Smt.) Anju Tandon (Principal), Smt. Vibha Kohli (Vice Principal) and Smt. Shashi Bhargava (Headmistress).
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