Lucknow: Bhatkhande Sanskriti University celebrated World Dance Day with a dignified and vibrant cultural programme, showcasing the richness of India’s classical dance traditions.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Vice-Chancellor Prof Mandvi Singh, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to art, discipline, and cultural heritage.
The programme opened with a Guru Vandana performed by Ilakshi Rathore, followed by an elegant Bharatanatyam presentation “Shiv Stuti – Bho Shambho” by Kusha Apoorva Narayan, Namrata Gautam, Khushi Maurya, Shweta Shukla, Shinjini, and Arpita Rajput. A soulful Ashtapadi performance by Syed Shamshur Rahman, Deepti Singh, Kirti Singh, Deepika, and Garima added emotional depth to the programme.
A combined presentation of Pushpanjali and Jatiswaram by Shailendra Kumar, Aastha Keshari, Sonam Awasthi, Nirmal Bhandari, Kavyanjali Pandey, Anjali Kumari, Dhriti Pandey, Bhavya Shankar, and Neharshi Verma impressed the audience with its seamless blend of rhythm and classical precision. The performance was enriched by live accompaniment from Dr. Aarti Natu (Nattuvangam), Sudhir Kumar (Mridangam), Lalita Ganesh (vocal), Sanjari Sahu (violin), and Udit (flute).
The Kathak segment stood out with a captivating presentation beginning with Shiv Stotram, followed by a traditional composition in Matt Taal (18 beats), and concluding with an expressive Ashtapadi. Performers including Runjhun, Shailendra, Annesha, Shweta, Vaibhavi, Vallari, Tanishka, and Gargi mesmerised the audience with their intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns, expressive storytelling, and graceful spins. The accompaniment featured Dr. Ruchi Khare (padhant and manjira), Anirban Talukdar (tabla), Johar Sir (harmonium and vocal), and Udit (flute).
In the second phase, a Shiv Vandana was presented by Anshika Tripathi, Kriti Singh Tomar, Darshika Pathak, Pragya Pathak, and Yogita Tripathi. This was followed by a high-energy taal paksh (fast tempo) performance by Divya Rawal, Priya Kashyap, Kaveri, Shreyanshi Srivastava, Aditi Tripathi, Nikhil Kasodhan, and Nitin Kumar Bharti. The segment was supported by Dr. Prerna Rana (padhant), Anirban Talukdar (tabla), Arif Khan (vocal), and Manish Mishra (sarangi).
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandvi Singh described dance as a powerful medium of culture, discipline, and spiritual practice, emphasizing its role in shaping both artistic and personal growth.
The programme was seamlessly anchored by Pavani Awasthi, and concluded on a high note, leaving the audience enriched and inspired. The celebration not only highlighted the institution’s cultural excellence but also reinforced the enduring relevance of classical arts in contemporary times.
