From Raag Lalit to Kathak Tihai—A Cultural Feast Captivates City

Lucknow: An evening soaked in melody, rhythm, and classical splendour unfolded as the Roonjhung series presentation commenced at the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan. The programme began with a warm and ceremonial welcome of the Chief Guest, Dr. Rati Shankar Tripathi, Chairperson, Bhartendu Natya Akademi, Lucknow.

He was felicitated with a bouquet and angavastram by the esteemed Chairperson Dr. Kumkum Dhar and Special Secretary, Culture/Director Sanjay Kumar Singh, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp.

The event featured a comprehensive line-up of performances by students pursuing Abhiruchi, diploma, and degree courses across music and dance disciplines.

The evening opened with a soulful rendition of the bandish “Vighna Haran Gauri Ke Nandan”, composed in Raag Lalit. This was followed by “Jab Se Tum Sang Laagali” in Raag Bhoopali, enriched with taan, boltān and intricate tihais. Young learners of the institute then presented a charming dadra—“Kahan Lagyo Mohan Maiya Maiya”—delighting the audience with their innocence and grace.

The vocal composition and music direction were led by Meena Verma. Performing students included Aaradhana, Indrakshi, Satakshi, Anaya, Shail, Ranjana, Geeta, Shakuntala, Mayra, Aayra, Vikisha, Kriti, Shamit, Pratibha and Anjali.

The next segment showcased a remarkable collaboration between tabla and harmonium students. Harmonium learners performed a composition in Raag Yaman set to Teentaal, while the tabla recital began with a devotional Ganesh Vandana.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, both groups presented a special instrumental rendition of the national song—earning loud applause from the audience.
Lahra accompaniment and direction were provided by Anand Dixit.

Harmonium performers included Sunil, Punkesh, Suryaprakash, Avantika, Pragya, Shikhar and Palak.
Tabla performers included Akhand, Tushar, Iskon, Abhyansh, Aviral, Akanksha, Sneha, Sadhana, Ashwini, Badal, Abhishek, Swati, Anjali, Geetika, Aman, Vanya, Ankita, Pramod, Vinod, Suresh and Avani.

The vocal segment continued with a complex classical form, Chaturang – “Jai Jai Vageshwari”, embellished with tarana, sargam, and rhythmic syllables of mridang, pakhawaj, and tabla. Music composition and direction were by Archana Kushwaha. Performers included Pragya, Rudra, Shikhar, Namya and Swara.

In the Kathak segment, the students captivated the audience with the devotional piece “Radha Madhav Kunj Bulaaye”, written by poet Parmanand Das. This was followed by the iconic thumri “Sab Ban Than Aayi Shyam Pyari Re” by Pt. Bindadin Maharaj, showcasing a beautifully stylised portrayal of Vasakasajja Nayika.

The performances featured students Aadya, Aashvi, Aditi, Aaradhya, Mohini, Lavanya, Shantini, Aashvi Srivastava, Prisha, Sindhuja, Samara, Nisharya, Ritanaya, Ritika and others. Nritta direction was provided by Huma Sahu, with vocal support by Meena Verma.

The final presentation, “Nritya Namah”, celebrated devotion and the grace of Lord Rama. It began with “Gajananam Bhoota Ganadhi Sevitham” and progressed into a pure Kathak tira vat composition in Raag Bairagi Bhairav set to Teentaal, highlighting the traditional essence of the dance form. The segment was choreographed by Dr. Upasana Dixit, with vocal and lahra by Anand Dixit. Tabla accompaniment for the entire event was handled by Nitish Bharti and Anand Dixit.

The programme displayed an impressive roster of Kathak students, including Swasti Sankrit, Pavitra, Aarohi, Meenakshi, Ansh, Ananya, Ayush, Nikita, Kripali, Shailendra, Vaishnavi, Palak, Pari, Krisha, Manvi, Vasavi, Dikshita, Srishti, Kavya, Aira, Nishika, Anvi, Sumedha, Riddhi, Avika, Avanshika, Asavi, Vamika, and many more.

Organised by the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan, the event stood as a vibrant celebration of classical tradition, rigorous training, and youthful artistic brilliance—leaving the audience enthralled throughout the evening.