Mysore/Mysuru: The ‘Aashwayuja’ edition in the Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava series was held in November first week at Champaka Sabhangana, Champaka Academy premises in Ramakrishnanagar.

Disciples of Guru Dr. Shobha Shashikumar, Researcher and Founder of Mayuri Nrutyashala, Bengaluru, presented a dance feature ‘Bharata Nrityarpanam,’ depicting Sage Bharata’s legacy involving chaaris and karanas of Naatya Shaastra by adapting them into popular musical compositions like ‘Prabhum praananatham’, ‘Aananda roopini naarayani’ and such. Her senior disciple Vidushi Megha presented a mesmerising abhinaya feature for ‘Marukelara O Raghava.’

Earlier, the evening started with Bharatanatyam performances by the disciples of Vidushi Dr. Nagalakshmi Nagarajan, Founder of Champaka Academy.

The young talents — Manjusha, Apeksha, Ishani, Kushi, Samhitha, Charvi and Sowmya — danced for Melaprapti, Ganesha vandana, a popular swarajati ‘Raravenu’ and devaranama ‘Hari kunida’. They were supported by Vidushi Shruti Prasad, Vidwan Kiran and Srinidhi in the musical ensemble and Dr. Nagalakshmi on natuvangam.

Vidwan V. Mahesh, Founder of Sri Sharadha Nruthya Kala Shaale, Chamarajanagar, along with his disciples, presented ‘Nritya Vaibhava,’ a Bharatanatyam feature, much to the delight of the audience. Starting with Pushpanjali and Ganesha kriti, Vidwan Mahesh then presented ‘Hanumantha deva namo’ depicting many stories from Lord Hanuman’s life. His disciples danced gracefully for ‘Aigiri nandini’, ‘Ashtalakshmi stotra’ and other dance numbers.

B. Niranjana Murthy, Educationist and Assistant Director at JSS Mahavidyapeetha, Mysuru, inaugurated the event. He spoke on the years of efforts Champaka Academy has put in for the development of children in all aspects of socio-cultural development. He also mentioned the importance of such forums for the development of art. Guru Dr. Shobha Shashikumar also spoke of the importance of organising such utsavas from an artist’s perspective.

All the participants were presented with certificates on the occasion. Trustee Nagarajan Srinivasan was also present.