A cultural coupe of Indian classical dance performances for Gurgaon

Gurgaon, here’s your chance to satiate your cultural appetite with a two-day festival that will see classical dance performances such as Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri and Haryanavi folk.

“Kuchipudi is a form of dance, used in dramatic performances. Originated from Andhra Pradesh, it’s entirely different from other styles as each style has its own uniqueness. The dance form with bold yet subtle expressions has complex footwork.We’ll begin the concert with Sarasvati Vandana. Through our dance performance, we’ll depict Trilokarakshini,Durga and perform Krishna Radha Raas. Gurgaon is a city that is culturally inclined and we are looking forward to perform here,”says Meenu Thakur, a Kuchipudi dancer.

A two-day long festival is being organised in Gurgaon, that will feature classical and folk dance performances.

With a cultural coupe of classical dance performances under one roof in various forms such as Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Haryanvi folk, the two-day festival of Indian classical and folk dance, Gurugram Kala Utsav, by Nritya Dhara, a Gurgaon based an Odissi Dance Institute and Ashray — an NGO, in collaboration with MCG, promises to be a feast for the eyes.The event, organised as part of Haryana Swarna Jayanti, is supported by Ministry of Culture, Government Of India, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Haryana Kala Parishad, Government of Haryana.

Danseuse Meenu Thakur will be performing Kuchipudi with her troupe.

Speaking on the festival, Vani Madhav, festival director,says, “We wanted to bring different dance forms on a single platform. Seeing the interest of the residents of Gurgaon with regards to classical dance, I wanted to organise a festival that promotes classical dance in an open theatre. Often people say that Delhi is a cultural hub. But we want to change the notion with this festival and continue it in the years to come.”

Vani Madhav will perform an Odissi recital at the Utsav.

It’ll be a symphony like no other when Chandan Singh,along with his troupe will be presenting a Haryanvi folk dance performance with instruments such as Nagada, Mandira and Khartal. “It’ll be a power-packed performance with Nagada’s. And since it’s the spring season, we’ll be singing folk songs representative of the season and in honour of Lord Krishna and Radha,” shares Singh.

Not only can one look forward to the different dance forms, but also to the food stalls from the different states presented at the festival apart from literary meets, handicraft exhibitions, workshops and other activities.Although entry is free for all, but the seating arrangement is on a first-cum-first serve basis.