|     |
|
| |
 An evening of divine expressions at 'Nritya Yatra - Dance as Worship'Text & pics: Srivatsa Shandilyae-mail: vatsaphoto@gmail.com November 12, 2025 Sri Sri Madhavadeva International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari, Guwahati, witnessed a captivating evening of devotion through dance at Nritya Yatra - Dance as Worship, a classical Bharatanatyam festival organised by Guru Namrata Tiwari Talukdar, Founder and Artistic Director of SNTC Shivang Foundation, Guwahati. The festival was a heartfelt offering - every movement a prayer and every expression an act of worship - presenting nritya as seva in its truest sense. The evening was graced by chief guest Rahul Chandra Das, Director of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam. Guests of Honour included Utpal Datta, eminent Assamese film critic, author, and National Award-winning filmmaker; Namrata Datta, noted writer and filmmaker; Anita Sharma, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and distinguished Sattriya exponent; Baby Bhuyan, leading Sattriya dancer; and Dr. Alkananda Das, social entrepreneur and recipient of the "Woman of the Decade" award at the Women's Economic Forum 2025.  Namrata Tiwari Talukdar Guru Namrata Tiwari Talukdar is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam artiste, trained under Professor M.R. Krishnamurthy, a senior disciple of Rukmini Devi Arundale of Kalakshetra. A certified therapeutic movement practitioner, she is also trained in Manipuri dance under Rekha Talukdar and Anindita Raj Kumari, disciples of Guru Bipin Singh. Through SNTC Shivang Foundation, she has been imparting Bharatanatyam and Manipuri training to numerous young learners in Assam, nurturing a new generation of classical dancers in the Northeast. A classical evening in true Margam tradition  The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and the honouring of guests with Assamese gamosas. The performances began with a Pushpanjali in ragam Jog and adi talam by Shravani Talukdar, invoking auspicious beginnings. This was followed by the Thodayamangalam, an invocation in praise of Lord Vishnu and his incarnation, Lord Rama, performed by Shravani Talukdar, Tarasvini Talukdar, Pratyusha Das, Anushka Mena, Shanti Devi, Shreshtha Kashyap, Ishica Syiem, Bhavya Vainavi Gogoi, and Jahnavi Mohanty. Next came Alaripu, the pure nritta item symbolising awakening of the body, mind, and spirit, performed by Pratyusha Das, Shanti Devi, Jahnavi Mohanty, Anushka Mena, Ishica Syiem, Shreshtha Kashyap, Ira Rabha, and Bhavya Vainavi Gogoi. The lively Mooshika Vahana followed, offering a joyful tribute to Lord Ganesha through vibrant movements. The Shabdam - "Ayar sheriyar arindhidaamalum" - set in Ragamalika and mishra chapu talam, beautifully portrayed the playful charm and divine miracles of young Krishna in Vrindavan.  The highlight of the evening was the Varnam, "Sakhiye inda velaiyil jalam", a Pada Varnam rich in abhinaya and intricate rhythm. Guru Namrata Tiwari Talukdar's performance in the Kalakshetra style reflected her deep training, poise, and expressive command, as she portrayed the nayika's longing for her beloved Lord with refined bhava and grace. The evening concluded with a spirited Tillana in ragam Hindolam, performed by Shravani Talukdar, Tarasvini Talukdar, Pratyusha Das, Shanti Devi, Anushka Mena, and others, celebrating rhythm and joy in vibrant unison. A cultural bridge between South and Northeast The festival stood out not just for its authentic Kalakshetra style Bharatanatyam, rarely seen in Assam, but also for the dedication of Guru Namrata, who continues to uphold the classical traditions of South India in the heart of the Northeast. Her commitment reflects the vision of Rukmini Devi Arundale, to spread Bharatanatyam across the length and breadth of India. The performers captivated the audience with their fluid movements and expressive grace - each gesture reflecting years of disciplined training and heartfelt devotion. Namrata's daughters impressed with their professionalism, expressive clarity, and classical precision - emerging as valuable assets to the Northeast's cultural heritage and fondly can be hailed as the 'Assam Classical Sisters,' in future with their duet performances. Interestingly, though the names of the performers were distinctly Assamese, their art embodied the purest essence of South Indian classical dance - a beautiful cultural harmony that symbolized the true spirit of Nritya as Worship.  Shravani Talukdar and Tarasvini Talukdar The only aspect absent from the evening's presentation was the Mangalam. Perhaps, in the future, it could be explored in the Assamese language to reflect a local cultural connection. The evening reaffirmed that classical dance knows no boundaries - it transcends language and geography, uniting hearts through rhythm, devotion, and timeless tradition.  Srivatsa Shandilya is a photojournalist and director of International Arts & Cultural Foundation, Bengaluru. |
