Samaagama 2025, the annual Bharatanatyam Festival, which was presented by Nruthyathi Kalaashaale on Aug. 30 and 31, transformed Ganabharathi’s Ramagovinda Kalavedike auditorium into a vibrant hub of rhythm, devotion and artistry over the weekend.

The festival, marking the sixth anniversary of the Academy founded by Anusha Varun, drew art-lovers in large numbers, offering two unforgettable evenings dedicated to classical dance and cultural heritage.

The inaugural day on Saturday set the tone for the festival with a spectacular line-up of performances. Guru Sandesh Bhargav, Bharatanatyam exponent and Vice-President of Kaynes Technology, Mysuru, inaugurated the event. The live orchestra, led by Anusha Varun (natuvanga), along with Vidu. Shylaja Praveen (vocal), Vid. G.T. Swamy (mridanga), Vid. Samruddh (flute) and Vid. Vinay Kumar Rangadhol (rhythm pad), provided a soulful musical backdrop to the evening.

Over 100 dancers presented a diverse repertoire — from the powerful Khanda Melaprapthi to the joyous Gajavadana Beduve by the youngest students. The audience was enthralled by pieces such as Lambodara Lakumi Shubhakara Shabdam, Jaganmohanane Krishna, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma, Sri Rama Devaranama, Vachana Chakorange and Chandrachooda. The grand finale, a dazzling Thillana in Kuntalavarali, concluded Day-1 with thunderous applause.

Day-2 brought the much-anticipated thematic dance-drama ‘Vishwamithra Gayathri’ by Guru Sandesh Bhargav and disciples (Kala Sandesha Prathishtana, Mysuru). ‘Vishwamithra Gayathri’ explores the deep connection between the Gayathri Mantra, the Vedas and the Dashavatara — a link first revealed by scholar Padma Shri Dr. Bannanje Govindacharya in his discourse Gayathri Chinthana. Inspired by this, Guru Sandesh Bhargav brought the philosophy to life through dance, with lyrics by Dr. Jyothi Shankar and music composed and rendered by Kanchana Sriranjani. The presentation wove together devotion, tradition and storytelling in a seamless tapestry of Bharatanatyam artistry, leaving the audience spellbound.

With audiences packing the auditorium on both days, the festival became a sea of art-lovers celebrating Mysuru’s deep cultural devotion. Samaagama 2025 cemented its place as one of Mysuru’s landmark cultural celebrations, offering the city two evenings of divine dance and artistic splendour.              

—T.C. Bhoomika