For the students of School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), who go through the daily grind of making designs and plans, it was a rare occasion to watch the grandeur of a different form of art altogether. It is (‘Tholu bommalata’), one of the dying art forms of Andhra Pradesh, that kept them spellbound.
When scenes from Ramayana were played in their front, they enjoyed every bit of the old-world charm of leather puppetry presented by a troupe from Dharmavaram in Anantapur district.
Titled ‘Virasat-2014’, the event was organised by SPA as part of its collaboration with Society for Promoting Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC-MACAY) for acquainting students with traditional music and arts which won for India a distinct place in the world. The family of Anjaneyulu from Dharmavaram, which has been eking out a living by giving leather puppetry shows for several decades, depicted how Lord Rama was shocked and depressed with the missing of His consort Sita Devi, through deft movement of the puppets.
The students who rarely get to see such art forms rooted in Indian culture were glued to their seats with the splendid performance. It was also a welcome break for the faculty.
Earlier, addressing the students, SPA Director N. Sridharan said it was a part of the collaboration with SPIC-MACAY and that more such events, including one on Kuchipudi dance, would be held in the near future. ‘Virasat’ showcases the tremendous cultural diversity of India, beginning from the folk and classical dance and music forms, to cinema screenings, heritage walks, handicraft workshops, theatre programmes etc.
