Mysore/Mysuru: The 12th event — ‘Chaitra’ edition — of Champaka Rashtreeya Kalaa Utsava, organised under the aegis of Champaka Educational and Cultural Trust, Mysuru, was held on May 4 at Champaka Academy premises in Ramakrishnanagar, with Bharatanatyam performances from accomplished artistes from  Mysuru and Puttur.

The evening started with a Bharatanatyam featuring disciples of Guru Karnataka Kalashree Vidushi Nayana V. Rai, Founder and Director of Vishwakalaniketana Institute of Arts & Culture, Puttur, Kudkadi and Vidushi Swastika R. Shetty.

The students of the senior dance Guru presented an excellent performance that started with Trimurti Anjali, a pushpanjali to the Gods, followed by Devi Varna, composed by Madhurai R. Muralidharan. They concluded their programme with a famous composition ‘Kunidado Ranga’ of Guru Vadiraja, depicting Kalinga Mardana story in an attractive way.

Angika Shetty, daughter of Swastika Shetty, was also one of the dancers and the group portrayed stable and beautiful body movements in the Nritta and also gave beautiful abhinaya for the audience to relish.

Disciples of Vidushi S.N. Meghana Rao, Director of Natya Samskruthi Kalanikethana, Mysuru, presented a Bharatanatyam feature starting with Ganesha stuti, which was followed by famous compositions like Shringapuradheeshwari Sharade and Jaya Jaya Shambho.

The concluding event was a feature on Ugadi presented by her students including her talented young son Bhagat Sharma and was very impressive in communicating about the splendour of Ugadi for nature and humans.

Karnataka Kalashree Vidushi G. Rajalakshmi Sreedhar, retired Assistant Director, AIR, Mysuru, was the chief guest. Vidushi G. Rajalakshmi Sreedhar spoke about the importance of art forms in one’s life and how it helps in improving the physical and mental health of  an individual.

All performers were given a certificate of appreciation by the guest. Members of the public attended and enjoyed the event.