An artiste’s way of invoking the Almighty can be unique. Shivratri holds a special place in the hearts of Indians across the land. While some observe complete fasting, others forgo the night meal; some just stick to a fruit and milk diet regime for the day. Whatever it be, Shivratri has to be a night (ratri) of awakening by symbolically staying awake through the night into the wee hours of the next morning. This is generally accompanied by religious sermons, bhajans, devotional mythological movies to help the congregation to literally overcome sleep.
Here we have Kuchipudi dance gurus Raja and Radha Reddy celebrating or rather observing this year’s Shivratri for the first time with an offering of dance and song. The newly-built amphitheatre at Natya Tarangini in New Delhi’s Saket will play host to the musicians and dance artistes as well as the audience “Shiv Aradhana”. Says a visibly passionate Raja Reddy, “This idea had crossed our minds in the last few years, but it had to manifest now, thanks to our amphitheatre. I have been observing Shivratri for ages now, right from my young days when our village would hold it like a festival with bhajans, chants, etc. We have evolved as a family dedicated to dance. And the divine couple Shiva and Parvati are considered to be the embodiment of dance. So we decided to offer dance and music which are inseparable as a night-long invocation to the Lord on this auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. Invitations have been sent out to friends, colleagues and families to participate along with us. From this year onwards, Shivratri will be an annual event at Natya Tarangini.”
Preparations for the holy day are in full swing with traditional decor taking the lead, since it is an event of religious significance. Vedic pundits will usher in the Shivratri at around 8.30 pm on Friday (February 24) with chanting the Rudram (namakam and chamakam) followed by Shiv Panchakshari which will continue till sunrise next morning. On the same platform we will be tuning into the famed Dhrupad musicians Gundecha Brothers, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Kathak maestro Pandit Rajendra Gangani, Carnatic vocalist Dr. K Vageesh not to talk of stalwarts Raja and Radha Reddy along with up-and-coming artistes like Shasrek Ambardar, Aditi Sharma, Yamini and Bhavana Reddy – all of whom will concentrate only on Lord Shiva devotionals. The gurus feel that active participation by younger dancers will help them realise the significance of our tradition and religious customs that form an inherent part of our lives. In turn, these will be handed over to the future generations who will then be the custodians of art and culture.
(On February 24, 8.30 p.m.)
