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 Kathak kaleidoscope of Krishna Leela at Geeta Dham- Harshita Udanie-mail: harshitaudani@gmail.com April 11, 2026 In the heart of Jodhpur, at the spiritually resonant Geeta Dham on March 1, 2026, the Ved Institute of Performing Arts presented an evening that was less a performance and more an immersive journey into the Vibhuti (grandeur) of Krishna. Curated by Aditi Yadav, the showcase brought together a disciplined ensemble to explore the multifaceted "Man-Mohana" through the crisp grace of Kathak.  Rupali & Aditi in "Adharam Madhuram" The evening commenced with the timeless Madhurashtakam, "Adharam Madhuram." The stage was set by the successive entries of the dancers Yogendra Oze as Krishna, Jyotsna and Preeti, followed by Aditi and Rupali, and finally Anupma and Arushi. This tiered introduction mirrored the layered beauty of the verses, establishing a collective devotion that served as the foundation for the night. The transition into "Niratat Dhangh" was a visual triumph. As the stage opened, the audience was met with meticulously crafted poses that resembled giving a peek into the Brindavan city, with trees, the women going about their work making rangoli, doing pooja and more. Yogendra Oze and Preeti brought the house alive with their portrayal of Krishna Kanhaiya. Their chemistry was marked by high energy jumps and playful interludes, capturing the Lila aspect of the Lord with infectious joy.  Aditi Yadav as Radha The intensity of the Putana episode was brought alive by Jyotsna Patil with her making all the characters in the story come alive through her expressions. The nayikas followed this act each expressing her anguish for their hero, Natwar, to be with them to the tune of "Man mohana bade jhute" presented by Preeti and Rupali. The stage came alive to the dance of Radha on "Radha rani laage" by Aditi laced with gat bhaav, footwork and raas. Her peformance to "Sudh buddha mae saari khoi, kanha rae tune kahe kari barjori" was so immersive that the entire audience felt like part of the dance swaying along with her to the beats of the bhajan. Krishna viraha, a poignant echo of him longing for Radha, was presented by Yogendra on "Radhe bin lage na mora jiya." When you dance in Rajasthan, then the Meerbai story must be told, and Rupali Bhoir's portrayal of Meera Bai captured the delicate ache of her heart. Her movements held the weight of a lover's wait, translating the internal stillness of devotion into evocative dance on "Mhara sapnan mae parnaya re dinanath."  Anupma Harshal & Arushi Dr. Anupma Harshal and her disciple Arushi presented "Lagi re lagan." This piece was a sophisticated blend of Prakriti (nature) and Purusha. The duo executed complex Todas and Tihais with a synchronized grace, making the technical aspects of Kathak feel as organic as the rustling of leaves in Brindavan. The narrative arc moved to a spectacular finale, the Raas Leela that used a variety of props and intricate formations, culminating in a thunderous Tatkar (footwork) session that resonated through the halls of Geeta Dham. The finale was not just a display of skill, but a celebration of the "Individual Raas" - where each dancer, though part of a troupe, seemed to be finding their own personal connection with the Chitchor.  Mera Kanha ne bansi bajayi Preeti Valuskar's choreographic vision was evident here, particularly in her ability to weave "rolling-on-the-floor" movements into traditional Kathak patterns, adding a physical rigour and fluidity that broke the verticality of the form. Rupali Bhoir's contribution to the formations was equally striking. The ensemble used "carousels" - pairing dancers in circular, rotating motifs - giving the stage a sense of infinite movement, perfectly echoing the cyclic nature of the Raas. Under the guidance of Aditi Yadav, the Ved Institute has succeeded in creating a production that balances the "Ang" (form) of Kathak with the "Bhav" (emotion) of the Krishna theme. It was an evening where the grace of the dancers truly lit up the desert night.  Harshita Udani is a Founder / Publisher / Editor / Author / Designer. She is the founder of Mahi Glitz, a lab-grown diamond jewelry brand and the driving force behind The Momma Clan - a thriving English writing and publishing community. |
