Mysuru witnessed a spectacular celebration of classical dance at Noopura Nrithyotsava-2025 held at Kalamandira recently. Organised by Noopura Nrithyalaya, the festival featured over 70 performers aged between 8 and 50 years, presenting a rich repertoire of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam before a gathering of nearly 1,000 rasikas.
The evening opened with Nrithyathi, a Shiva Stuthi set to rare choreography by Guru Divya Prashant, which received warm appreciation for its originality. A major highlight was Gokula Bala Krishna Varnam, a vibrant piece in raga Kalyani portraying the enchanting leelas of Lord Krishna — from granting moksha to Puthana to protecting Draupadi during Vasthrakshhepam.
The dancers brought alive Krishna as both the playful child of Gokula and the supreme protector, blending innocence with divinity. The depth of abhinaya and devotion infused in the performance left the audience spellbound. Another highlight was Krishna Leela presentation, performed by housewives and working women. Their portrayal of the divine childhood pranks and supreme grace of Lord Krishna drew special appreciation from the audience, not only for its artistry but also for the dedication it symbolised — proving that passion for art thrives beyond age, routine and professional commitments. The performance served as an inspiration to many, reflecting how dance can remain a joyful, integral part of life.
Another centrepiece of the evening was Sita Rama Kalyanam, a vivid portrayal of the swayamvara of Sita and Rama. The item brought to life King Janaka’s challenge of stringing Lord Shiva’s mighty bow, and Rama’s effortless act of lifting, stringing and breaking it, proving Himself worthy of Sita’s hand.
The grandeur of the wedding celebrations that followed was performed with such grace and devotion that the audience felt transported to Mithila itself — responding with the same involvement and joy as if witnessing a divine wedding.
Equally captivating was the Shiva Keerthanam (Neelakanthane Niranjana), which depicted the moment when Lord Shiva became known as Neelakanta. As the deadly halahala poison emerged from the cosmic churning, Shiva consumed it to save the universe, with Goddess Parvathi holding His neck and Lord Vishnu guarding His mouth so that the poison neither entered His body nor spread to the world.
The festival culminated with the grand finale Devi Kauthuvam, where all participants came together in a powerful rendition that brought the audience to their feet with multiple rounds of applause. Beginning with the graceful beauty of the Goddess, the piece transitioned to showcase Her might. The entry of the three Goddesses — Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi — in serene shantham form marked the climactic blessing of the evening.
Dr. Kripa Phadke, Vidushi Arathi Arun and Vidwan K. Guruprasad were present on the occasion.
This post was published on October 6, 2025 6:40 pm