Lucknow, October 7: Classical music, captivating Kathak performances and breathtaking Mallakhamb feats marked Awadh Sandhya, a cultural evening organised by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi at Sant Gadge Ji Auditorium. The event, held after a gap of six years, celebrated the preservation and promotion of the region’s rich artistic heritage.
Padma Shri Malini Awasthi attended the programme as the chief guest. The event was organised under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cultural preservation policy and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh. It was supported by various institutions under the state Culture Department.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Akademi chairman Prof. Jayant Khot, vice-chairperson Vibha Singh and director Raj Kumar welcomed Awasthi and presented her with a hand-painted portrait created by a local artist.
Addressing the gathering, Awasthi congratulated the organisers on reviving Awadh Sandhya, describing it as a valuable part of Lucknow’s cultural heritage. She also suggested using social media to take the event to a wider audience, particularly young people. Vibha Singh outlined the programme’s expanded format and shared details of upcoming workshops and music competitions.
The cultural evening opened with a classical vocal recital by Dr Indresh Kumar Mishra of Ghaziabad, who presented “Dheere Dheere Se Jhulao More Pyare Lalan.”
Artists from Kathak Kendra followed with “Kajri Ke Rang,” choreographed by Shruti Sharma, Neeta Joshi and Rajni Verma. The performance featured compositions set to classical ragas and traditional rhythms, including “Badal Garaj Nabh Ghor Shor,” composed by Pandit Bade Ramdas Ji in Raga Megh and Teentaal, and “Jhoolat Radhe Naval Kishore,” composed by Pandit Bindadin Maharaj in Raga Desh and Roopak taal.
The ensemble also presented the Mirzapuri kajri “Gheri Gheri Aayi Sawan Ki Badariya” and the Haveli Sangeet composition “Rang Rangeeli Chhail Chhabilo,” rooted in the Nathdwara tradition.
The Kathak presentation was directed musically by Kamalakant, with Dr Rajiv Shukla on tabla, Digant Saikia on flute and Deepak Kumar on dholak. The dance team included trainers and performers Priyam Yadav, Aishini Pathak, Manvi Verma, Ekta Kashyap, Srishti Pandey, Anshika, Nandini, Swara, Kanak, Aarti and Bhoomi.
A major highlight was the Mallakhamb performance by Ravi Prakash Parihar and his troupe from Jhansi. Their remarkable displays of strength, agility and physical balance enthralled the audience.
Visitors also appreciated exhibitions based on the theme of Awadh, organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Directorate of Archaeology, State Lalit Kala Akademi and State Museum.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Atul Dwivedi, director of the Tribal Culture Institute, and Dr Rakesh Singh, director of the Buddhist Research Institute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
