Mysore/Mysuru: The Amrutha Mahotsava  – Nruthya Sapthaha, International Dance Festival organised by Sri Uma Maheshwara Nruthya Kalakshetra Trust, J.P. Nagar, concluded on Apr. 20, at Nada Mantapa of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram on Nanjangud Road in city.

The programme commenced with an invocation by Vidu. S. Nethra, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. This was followed by a comprehensive report of the week-long Dance Festival presented by Vidu. Srilakshmi Kumar.

The inauguration ceremony of this Festival was held on Apr. 14 at Ganabharathi’s Ramagovinda Kalavedike which was graced by Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji.

The Festival was inaugurated by Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy. Industrialist & art patron Dr. M. Jagannath Shenoy was the chief guest. Natyacharya Prof. K. Ramamurthy Rao presided.

During the inaugural event, the commemorative publication ‘Somamruta Yana’ and a short biographical booklet titled ‘Natya Yana,’ based on the life of Natyacharya T.N. Somashekar, were released.

More than 25 art troupes, comprising over 350 dancers from across the country and abroad, participated and presented performances during the Festival.

Workshops were also conducted during the festival, which greatly benefited dance students. The Nattuvanga Workshop led by Vid. Sandesh Bhargav and the Makeup Workshop by B.M. Ramachandra of Rajeshwari Vasthralankara yielded excellent outcomes for the participants. With the valuable support of several reputed dance institutions in Mysuru, a series of performances titled ‘Nritya Samagama’ was organised during the week-long Fest.

A unique programme titled ‘Shrotavya Somashekara’ effectively brought out the personality and contributions of Natyacharya T.N. Somashekar through heartfelt reflections by his close associates.

It is noteworthy that several disciples who are now settled abroad returned to Mysuru for this festival and offered their performances as a mark of respect and gratitude to the institution where they began their dance training. The music programmes presented during the Dance Week were also highly appreciated.

The valedictory function on Apr. 20 was presided by H.V. Rajeev, President of Jnanaganga House Building Co-operative Society Ltd., Mysuru. Valedictory address was delivered by Vid. R.S. Nandakumar. Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, Assistant Director, Department of Kannada & Culture, was the chief guest. Dr. Tulasi Ramachandra, Director of Nrityalaya Trust, Mysuru and S.P. Manjunath, Secretary-1 of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, were the guests of honour.

On the occasion, the prestigious ‘Somasri Awards,’ instituted in memory of Natyacharya T.N. Somashekar, were presented to Vidu. Divyashree, Vidu.  Soumya Rani, Vidu. S. Nethra, Vidu. Divya Naveen, Vidu. Sharika Kaushik and Meghana L.N. Raju.

Following the formal ceremony, a dance ballet titled ‘Eshwara Leela Vilasa,’ conceptualised & choreographed by Natya Nidhi T.S. Sreelakshmi Kumar, President of Sri Uma Maheshwara Nruthya Kalakshetra, received immense appreciation. More than 40 artistes of the institution, along with Sreelakshmi herself, performed in this production. This presentation served as a meaningful and memorable culmination of the institution’s Amrutha Mahotsava.

The programme was gracefully compered by Dr. Deepika Pandurangi.