Enclosed in
folds of satin in a pastel hue, some blooms freeze in anticipation.
As the music
awakens them and the spotlights gently glow, they come to life and dance to the
rhythm of their ghungroos.
...
Last weekend
at the Al Bustan Hotel in Muscat, a Kathak dance group of girls – Leelangika,
led by their guru, Jhumpa Chakraborty, traced the bond of love in the life of
Lord Krishna in a performance entitled ‘Bandhan’.
Krishna’s
proud parents and their friends celebrate his birth with joy in the opening
scene. Next, we see Krishna with his boyhood friends stealing curd. When his
mother finds out, she is angry and sad. Krishna confesses to the mischief and
his mother forgives him with a warm embrace. She also encourages love and
understanding between Krishna and his brother. In another scene, Krishna
overpowers a demon snake in the river.
As the
charms of youth take over, Krishna and the gopis dance the Rasleela and display
emotions of love, desire, envy, jealousy.
The lyrics
chant “Mera naam ishq, tera naam ishq” as the audience is given a glimpse of
how mortal love is raised to the heights of divine love.
Then in the
last few scenes we see Krishna in varied roles – as a protector of Draupadi, as
a friend who accepts the humble offering of beaten rice from his poor friend - Sudama, as an avatar as he pacifies the doubtful Arjuna.
...
This
evening, dedicated to the classical dance form, Kathak, will remain memorable
for all the performers, their families, and their friends. The costumes were
stunning, the expressions were captivating, and the theme of love was
overwhelming.
