Margali Utsava

Margali Utsava

December month is “Margali Sangeetotsava” all over South India!
One such venue is “Sri Ramanuja Kalakshetra” of Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt in Bengaluru. The Mutt has organised music, dance and discourses under the direction of H H Sri Yathiraja Jeeyar swami during this month.

Dr T S Satyavathi, who gave a vocal concert here on Tuesday, is known in the field not only as a senior vocalist, but also as a scholar, teacher and author. The majestic varna “Vanajaksha” gave a bright start to Satyavathi’s current programme.

Then she chose a fine composition in the raga Darbaru, in which Saint Tyagaraja says – “Rama! Darling of my heart! The one with a beautiful name of leonine valour! Having the eyes like red lotus! Wandering in quest of you I have become worn out and emaciated.” Her swaraprasthara to the keerthana was brief, but was absorbing.

Another familiar composition of yesteryears “Varamulosagi” with raga, nerval (Parama Dayakara Suguna) and chaste swara were as reposeful. After the “Devadi Deva” a meaningful devaranama of Kanakadasa “Thoredu Jeevisabahude” – was welcomed by the audience with pleasure.

She chose a gem from the treasure chest of Swati Tirunal. Thus, “Gangeya Vasanadhara Padmanabha” in Hamir Kalyani was delineated with as much aplomb. The last two devotionals – “Kaagada Bandide” and “Palise Enna Sri Mahalakshmi” – were also rendered with good feeling. Satyavathi’s concert was refined and revealed depth and maturity. Nalina Mohan and C Cheluvaraj gave good support on violin and mridanga, respectively.

Nritya Neerajana

Seven dance recitals (Bharathanatya and Mohiniatta) were held in this years Ananya Nritya Neerajana, held last week at the Seva Sadana, Malleswaram. Guru Nandini Eswar and Vidushi Pusthakam Rama received the “Ananya Puraskara” in the valedictory function.

Four students of  Mudrika Foundation, under the direction of Minal Prabhu, presented three items in Bharathanatya. Opening with a Pushpanjali customarily, weaving the performance through a Shiva Stuthi in Ragamalika and ending with a Kalinga Narthana of Uthakadu Venkatasubba Iyer. It was the result of good training and showed promise.

Students of Raasa Vrinda, Mysuru, commenced with a “Ganesha Vandane” followed by a unusual composition of Guru Karaikudi Mani - “Guru Sharanam.” Varna “Sri Krishna Kamalanatho” was seen in a different perspective in the interpretation of Guru Nandini Eashwar. Nritta and Nrithya showed a more convincing application in young dancers Supreetha Aithal, Chinmayee Bharadwaj, Meghasri Gowda, Kousalya Chandra, Rohit Easwar, Alaka Deshpande and Nityasri Setty.

Dancers changing the roles in quick succession performed Krishna Janana, crossing the river, Puthani and Shakatasura Samhara – with ease and confidence.

Ramanama Sankeerthane and Sri Durga Pancharathna – were the last two devotionals they chose. It was well choreographed and directed by veteran artiste Nandini Easwar.