New Delhi: The Association for Learning Performing Arts and Normative Action (ALPANA) hosted its much-anticipated event, the 21st Annual Day—Indradhanush 2024—a mesmerising showcase of classical dance and music by the young disciples of ALPANA, including the talented Divyang students. Held at India International Centre (IIC) on Max Mueller Marg on 2nd June, this grand occasion brought together talented artists, esteemed guests, and an enthusiastic audience.
The evening commenced with an enchanting song on the keyboard by Abhishek Rana, Tanisha Garg, Shefali Negi, Kushagra Bhardwaj, Swati Sachdeva, Sargun Kaur, Kirti Saxena and Nandini Verma titled “Hai Apna Dil....” setting a vibrant and joyful tone for the rest of the event. The stage was soon graced by ALPANA's gifted singers, who presented a “Chhota Khayaal” based on Durga Raag and Teen Taal followed by a captivating Tarana based on Shankara Raag and Teen Taal. Then Satwiki Dhungana and Aditi Dhyani presented another “Chhota Khayaal” based on Gour Sarang Raag and Teen Taal. The air was filled with nostalgia as the students performed a Sufi song “O Laal Meri Pat.....”
The rhythm section took centre stage with a captivating tabla performance that showcased the students' mastery of this classical instrument. The energy soared as the students mesmerised everyone with their beats on the jambe, displaying their command over percussion instruments.
The Music and Tabla presentations were conducted by Music Teacher Smt. Saswati Chatterjee and Tabla teacher Shri Subhash Chandra Behera.
The evening unfolded with a breathtaking dance performance by the talented Divyang students, who graced the stage with their graceful moves to a Hindi Bhajan “Hey Krishna, Karuna sindhu .......” followed by popular Hindi film song “Krishna Hai….”. Their determination and passion shone through, inspiring awe and admiration among all present.
A traditional Odissi dance recital commenced with the Mangalacharana. Beginner Odissi students of A.L.P.A.N.A. paid homage to Vighna Harta Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and dance, through a prayer based on the Sanskrit shloka “Namami Vighna Raja Twam”.
Next performance was “Batu” which is a Nritta or pure dance. It was a tribute to the Batuka Bhairava Roopa of Lord Shiva, the God of Dance.
The audience was then treated to the enthralling Raageshree Pallavi, where a tune sung in a particular raga developed gradually into different variations, evoking the beauty of tender shoots and blossoming leaves. The Pallavi based on "Raageshree Raga" and taal Ektaali, showcased the dancers' graceful movements complemented by intricate rhythm patterns, creating a mesmerising tapestry of music and motion.
Next performance was an Odia abhinay ‘Kanhin gale murali phunkaa…’, written by the 18th century Odiya poet Banamali Das. The lyrics describe how the bereft & distressed Raddha and other gopis are searching for their beloved Krishna. She remembers him as the mischievous one, who always flirts with the gopis, who mesmerises everyone by playing the flute, who steals curd from all the houses in Gopapura, who steals gopis’ clothes at the bathing ghat of Yamuna River, who as Meena Avatar had killed Shankhaasura to save Veda and as Lord Rama in Tretaya Yug destroyed Lanka to save Janki. ‘Where is that Krishna?’, Radha wonders! Choreography of this item was done by Guru Smt Alpana Nayak.
Next item was Charukeshi Pallavi which was a special choreography in Odissi style enlivening the romantic bhava in a moonlit night. It has been conceptualised as an imaginary landscape where nartakis are dreaming about their lover and expressing their joy, ecstasy, exuberance through lyrical dancing. It was choreographed by Guru Smt Alpana Nayak and Guru Santosh Kumar Swain and presented by the senior disciples of A.L.P.A.N.A. Devika Seth, Disha Kannan, Pihu Shrivastava and Yastika Dhawan.
The next item was “Dashavataar” which is an excerpt from “Geetagovindam” written by the great Oriya Poet Jayadeva. In this poem the poet has depicted ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu such as Meena, Kacchhapa, Shukara, Narahari, Vamana, Bhrigupati, Raghupati or Rama, Haladhara, Buddha and Kalki who is yet to come.
The grand finale was a special Odissi choreography based on a Chautisha “Kalaa Kalebara Kanhai” written by well-known Odia poet Shri Bhakta Charan Das. This song celebrates Krishna’s magnificence through its simple unsophisticated lines. It depicts different engrossing episodes of Krishna Leela such as Putana badha, Giri Gobardhan Dharana, Kubja Upakhyana etc. it was choreographed by Guru Smt Alpana Nayak.
In her address, the Chief Guest, Guru Smt. Kumkum Mohanty, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee eminent Odissi exponent marvelled at the dedication of today's youth to pursuing classical art forms amidst a busy and competitive world. She insisted about the importance of performing arts in achieving higher goals in life. Smt. Annie George Mathew, Hon Full-time Member of 16th Finance Commission and Former Special Secretary, Dept. of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India who presided over Indradhanush 2024 event said in her speech that it was not her pleasure but her privilege to witness such amazing performances. Distinguished Guest of the event Shri Rajeev Kumar, Chief Signal Engineer, Northern Railway, New Delhi commended the spirits of the Divyang students and praised their journey of self-sufficiency and self-dependence, setting an example for all.
A.L.P.A.N.A. founded in 2004, has continuously worked towards inclusive growth and the promotion of the visual and performing arts. Over the past 20 years, ALPANA has made significant contributions to spreading awareness about India's rich cultural heritage, particularly in Odissi dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. Today, the institute boasts over 100 students, including 35 Divyang students, who excel in various disciplines, ranging from classical dance and vocal music to painting and vocational crafts.
Indradhanush 2024 was a resounding success, a celebration of talent, tradition, and the indomitable human spirit. A.L.P.A.N.A. continues to nurture young artists, providing them with a platform to shine and enriching the cultural landscape of India.
