Jhankaar, 2006

A Taraana Presentation

 

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A Memorable Experience

By: Nandini Bandyapadhyay
On May 6th at the Hindu temple on Lynn Road many of us were privileged to be a part of a musical extravaganza. It was a celebration of new year, as many Indian states celebrate New Year during the months of April and May. 53 participants from 36 families participated in the program and there were around 300 spectators who enjoyed the show. 

It was the cultural heritage from various parts of India which were showcased here. There were folk dances from Orrissa and traditional dances from Bengal accompanied with 'Rabindra sangeet'. There were dance choreographies on the music of Ravishankar, as well as contemporary presentations from  popular Hindi movies.

The songs performed by the younger generation varied from semi classical to 'Kabir bhajans'.  Songs in Punjabi, Assamese, and Telugu were also performed which added a new flavor. The almost forgotten folk/classical dance form of 'Yaksha-gana' based on Ramayana also represented a different aspect of the program.

The idea of reading poems in different languages was also something new in the cultural presentation and therefore very unique!

It was a wonderful experience for us to appreciate the multifaceted culture of India which we often take for granted. It was a welcome reminder to our roots and it forged a beautiful relationship with the younger generation because they got a chance to peek at the rich heritage they have inherited. We thank Sharmistha Banerjee for taking the initiative and rewarding us with a memorable experience.