Parampara Series- a lineage of classical Indian performance arts!

A cultural extravaganza

Parampara series, a cultural festival organised by the Natya Taringini every year is back with its 23rd edition. The festival currently on in New Delhi’ Kamani auditorium, will witness performances by numerous maestros of different genres of classical dances and music including Shubha Mudgal, Raja and Radha Reddy and Kumudini Lakhia.

Clad in colourful and bright traditional attires is a group grooving to the live music being played by classical performers, narrating the tale of India. Soon, the stage is taken over by the Kuchipudi (a traditional Indian dance form from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh) stalwarts Raja and Radha Reddy, followed by a mesmerising evening of Shubha Mudgal, the legend herself, leaving everyone spellbound with her Hindustani classical music. Welcome to the 23^rd edition of Parampara, one of the leading cultural festivals of India.

Organised every year by the Delhi-based dance academy Natya Taringini, the series brings on a platter the performances by maestros from different genres of classical arts such as Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Hindustani classical vocal and Carnatic classical vocal. The academy was opened 42 years ago by the Kuchipudi stalwarts, Raja and Radha Reddy who introduced the classical dance form on the global cultural map, solely. The Reddys have also been honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for their contributions in preserving and promoting the Kuchipudi heritage.

“Bharat (India) is known for Natyam (dance), Sangeetam (music), Vedas and Puranas (ancient Indian books). Our complete family; myself Raja Reddy, Radha, Kaushalya, my two daughters Yamini Reddy and Bhavana Redyy, we are completely dedicated to our parampara (traditions). Every year, at least once in a year we have to present this Parampara programme so that our coming generation will know what exactly Bharat is known for all over the world,” Raja Reddy told Media India Group.

“Seeing the performances by such great artistes will give encouragement to our younger generation and art enthusiasts to come and admire and connect them to their roots and their culture that is their identity. This way we are also creating the next Gen Rasikas,” Kaushalya Reddy, the creative director, told the media.

The troupe led by Raja and Radha Reddy left the audience mesmerised by their swift movements and mudras (specific body movements in dance). While they presented their vision for India, the portrayal of emotions including hasya (laughter) and raudram (fierce anger) through mudras were appreciated the most.

Speaking about their performance Bharata Bharati. Raja Reddy says, “Bharat is known for dance. Because of dance, it is known as the Nectar of the East, prachi sudha! That is why we are presenting the greatness of Bharat with dance. It gives a unified forum for different casts and it gives enlightenment, that is what we are going to present in Kuchipudi dance style.”

The Reddys were followed by the legendary classical singer Shubha Mudgal, who also happens to be the recipient of numerous national as well as international awards including Padma Shri. Mudgal along with her group delivered an electrifying yet calming performance of Hindustani Classical music. With her unparalleled performance, it seemed as if the time had stopped!

 

For the remaining two days are lined up Sujata Mohapatra and her troupe, the Odissi classical dancers; Trichur Brothers, the Carnatic classical vocalists; Kumudini Lakhia and group (Kathak Classical Dancers) and Jayateerth Mevundi, a leading Hindustani classical vocalist. While Mohapatra and the Trichur brothers will perform on August 31, this celebration of Indian culture will be concluded on September 1, 2019, with the performances of Kumudini and her group and Mevumundi.

 

Don’t forget to head to Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium today and tomorrow. Come, fall in love with the classical Indian performing arts!