Lucknow: An 11-day performance-oriented Kathak dance workshop concluded with a grand cultural programme at Maharaja Bijli Pasi Government Postgraduate College in Ashiana, Lucknow. The workshop was jointly organised by the college and the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan under the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture, celebrating the classical dance form’s rich traditions and artistic expression.
The concluding ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati by distinguished guests Dr Kumkum Dhar, chairperson of the Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan; Prof Vishnu Mishra, assistant director at the Directorate of Higher Education; and college principal Deepti Sonkar.
The cultural presentations opened with Naman, a traditional invocation and tribute to the gurus. A PowerPoint presentation subsequently highlighted the workshop’s activities, training process and achievements.
The next performance, Nrityankan, showcased the coordinated interplay of rhythm, tempo, movement and expression, demonstrating Kathak’s technical precision and aesthetic appeal.
This was followed by the thumri Roko Na Dagar Mero Shyam, which captivated the audience with its expressive beauty and graceful interpretation. The programme concluded with the Sufi Kathak presentation Mera Murshid Khele Holi, blending rhythmic movements with spiritual expression to convey love, devotion, joy and surrender.
The distinguished guests encouraged the participants and emphasised the importance of dedicated artistic practice, discipline and classical dance in preserving India’s cultural heritage.
During the 11-day workshop, guru and instructor Akshay Kumar trained approximately 50 college students in the fundamental techniques of Kathak. The training covered hand gestures, footwork, tatkaar, aamad, tihai, gat and the theoretical and practical aspects of rhythm and musical timing.
The concluding programme provided a platform for the participants to demonstrate their learning and highlighted the role of structured training in nurturing young talent and sustaining India’s classical dance traditions.
