Mysuru:The ‘Bhadrapada’ edition of Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava-2024 was held on Oct. 5 at 4.30 pm at the Champaka Academy premises in Ramakrishnanagar, with Bharatanatyam performances by accomplished artistes from Mysuru and Bengaluru.

The evening started with a Bharatanatyam performance by Vidushi Dr. Nagalakshmi Nagarajan, Founder of Champaka Academy, Mysuru.

Vachana Sahitya, a rich treasure of social and spiritual literature was well-explored with the feature ‘Vachana Saurabha.’

She presented the vachanas ‘Akka kelavva nanondu kanasa kande’ by Akkamahadevi, ‘Odihenemba odalu’ by Chowdaiah, ‘Attalitta hogadante’ and ‘Chakorange chandramana kantiya chinte’ by Basavanna.

These vachanas with a social and spiritual message adapted through Bharatanatyam were indeed appreciated by the audience and the guest M.G. Sadanandaiah, President, Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru.

Thereafter, disciples of Vidushi Dr. Soundarya Srivathsa, Director of Nartana Keertana Centre for Performing Arts, Bengaluru, presented a Bharatanatyam recital.

Starting with Ambasuta Karivadana Kaayo composed by Vidwan D.S. Srivatsa, ‘Anandamritakarshini,’ a kriti by Muthuswami Dikshitar was presented praising Devi. Next was a Shiva Padam by Neelakantan Shivan.

All presentations brought out the spiritual fervour in full. They concluded with an Ashtapadi, Kshanamadhuna portraying the beautiful story of Radha and Krishna.

Vidushi Vidya Balachandra, Vidushi Mythri Madhyasta and Vidushi Sushmita Kashyap performed with grace and charm.

The evening concluded with a Bharatanatyam presentation by Vidushi Bhavana, Artistic Director of Sadhana Dance Centre, Bengaluru and her disciples.

They started with Pushpanjali and Ganesha Stuti. The famous Dharu Varna ‘Maate Malayadhwaja’ followed next showing the story of Devi also along with it. The last item was about Ashtalakshmi portraying the Devi.