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![]() TaRangam - Ode to Kaveri - S. Seethalakshmi e-mail: wadalaramki@yahoo.co.in Photo: Adithya Narayanan January 30, 2025 'TaRangam - Ode to Kaveri,' a thematic Bharatanatyam performance (solo Margam) by Janani Narayanan, artistic director of Nrityakalya Dance Company based in Cupertino, California, was held on 30th December 2024 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, under the auspices of Kartik Fine Arts' 50th year Art Festival. The Kaveri River, a lifeline that flows through the heart of southern India, embodies a narrative as deep and intricate as the waters that carve their way through the land. For centuries, it has been revered not merely as a geographical entity but as a sacred force that shapes the lives, cultures, and histories of those who dwell along its banks. Known as Dakshina Ganga, or the Ganges of the South, Kaveri is steeped in mythology and believed to have been born from divine blessings to serve humanity. This ancient river is a testament to the enduring bond between nature and civilization, a source of sustenance, spirituality, and inspiration. In 'TaRangam - Ode to River Kaveri,' Janani Narayanan masterfully encapsulates this profound relationship through a thematic Margam, a traditional format that reflects the river's journey from the lush Western Ghats to the serene Bay of Bengal. The program commenced with a Viruttam in praise of goddess Kaveri, followed by a traditional Kautuvam in ragam Amritavarshini, verses from Kaveri Prathana, set and composed by Asha Ramesh in eka talam. The central piece unfolds like a scroll of history, with creative lyrics of the Varnam penned by Dr. S Raghuraman and music composition by Asha Ramesh in ragam Karaharapriya, adi talam, an evocative composition that breathe life into the river's story. Each note and movement resonated with the essence of Kaveri, illustrating not only its physical journey but also its role as a muse for artists, poets, and storytellers throughout the ages. The choreography wove together mythological tales, the glory of the Sangam era, and the flourishing arts of the medieval period, all while paying homage to the ancient settlers who found prosperity along its banks. The narrative culminated in a celebration of Kaveripoompattinam, a vibrant port city that thrived on the river's riches, showcasing the interconnectedness of commerce, culture, and creativity. ![]() Janani Narayanan Bharatanatyam is itself a representation of nalinam, the Tamil word for the beautiful grace of dancing like the ever flowing river with its curves, even flows, taking rowdra pose in flowing down with vigour as waterfalls at the same time, moving around the tender feet of children, gently and caressingly. Janani Narayanan ably transformed the ambience of the programme into one of the Kaveri flowing amongst us with her serene dance abhinayas and her facial expressions - bhavas - and chilled us all around with the fervour, flavour and warmth of our sacred river Kaveri. We were immersed in the splendour, exhilaration and gracefulness of the sacred river in making our lands fertile and sustainer of our civilisation from the Stone Age to the present times. Her personal reflections as a native of Srirangam were sentimentally conveyed through the poetic words of Ragavan Manian, lyricist and composer of the Ragamalika Padam set in tisra adi. Over the centuries, arts, music, and dance have flourished on her banks and are not just a legacy of the past but a living testament to the resilience and creativity of generations inspired by Kaveri's grace. As the Chennai Margazhi music and dance season fills the air, it is essential to acknowledge the roots of this vibrant cultural tapestry binding and immersing us in gratefulness. The contributions of artists from Mysuru, Tanjore, and Tiruvaiyaaru, along with the patronage of great kings, have ensured that the spirit of Kaveri continues to thrive in the hearts of contemporary artists. With dance choreography guidance by Dr. Lakshmi Ramaswamy, 'TaRangam' was not merely performance oriented, but it was a profound homage to the river that nourishes both body and soul, a reminder of our shared heritage, and an invitation to reflect on the enduring power of nature and art. It was a call to honor Kaveri, not just as a river but as a living entity that connects us to our past, informs our present, and inspires our future. Congrats to Janani Narayanan for the excellent concept and choreography (with the guidance of Dr Lakshmi Ramaswamy and A Lakshmanaswamy). Other credits: Sabapathikku veru Deivam in Abhogi ragam, rupka talam by Gopalakrishna Bharathi and Nalinakanthi Swaravali and lyrical passages from Pattinapalai Sangam literature by Asha Ramesh. Special appreciations to the supportive musical team - mridangam by Ramamoorthy Sriganesh, nattuvangam by Aparna Krishnamurthy, vocal by Vishnupriya, violin by TV Sukanya and flute by Devarajan. S. Seethalakshmi is a freelance writer in Tamil and English. She has written many articles in Young World and various leading Tamil weeklies and monthlies. |