Lucknow – The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, in collaboration with Kathak Kendra, Lucknow, organized a two-day traditional Kathak dance program “Naman – Parampara Kathak Ki” in memory of the legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Lachhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana. The inaugural day witnessed mesmerizing performances by renowned Kathak artists from across the country.
The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Prof. Dr. Mandavi Singh (Vice-Chancellor, Bhatkhande Sanskriti University), Prof. Jayant Khot (Chairman, UP Sangeet Natak Akademi), Mrs. Vibha Singh (Vice-Chairperson), Prof. Sahitya Kumar Nahar (Former Vice-Chancellor, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music University, Gwalior), and Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar (Director, UP Sangeet Natak Akademi). The dignitaries also paid floral tributes to Pandit Lachhu Maharaj before the performances commenced.
The evening opened with a Ganesh Vandana presented by students of Kathak Kendra, Lucknow, under the guidance of Rajni Verma, accompanied by live music from Kamalakant (vocals), Parth Pratim Mukherjee and Shah Nawaz Khan (tabla), Archana (sarangi), Dipendra Kunwar (flute), and Navin Mishra (sitar). This was followed by another captivating recital directed by Neeta Joshi, with tabla accompaniment by Rajeev Shukla.
From Pune, Saberi Mishra of the Jaipur gharana enchanted the audience with a Vishnu Vandana and traditional Kathak sequences, supported by Vikas Mishra (tabla) and Navin Mishra (sitar).
The stage then came alive with spellbinding performances by Jaikishan Maharaj and Tribhuvan Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana, whose traditional renditions showcased the depth and elegance of the gharana’s legacy.
The highlight of the evening was the duet by Padma Shri Nalini and Kamalini, who offered a devotional Shiva Stuti followed by shuddha nritya, teen taal vilambit lay, and Sawan compositions. Their recital drew thunderous applause, with accompaniment by Akbar Latif Khan (tabla), Nalini Nigam (vocals), Atul Shankar (flute), and Afzal Zahoor (violin).
The festival continues on September 1 with performances by distinguished Kathak artists from Lucknow, Banaras, and New Delhi.
