To commemorate the achievement of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Vyjyanthi Kashi has invited stalwarts of Indian classical dance to the city.
Bharati Shivaji, a name synonymous with the classical form Mohiniyattam, pivoted her performance around a cholkettu — a technical pure dance number of Mohiniyattam and a Swati Tirunal padam.
She commenced her recital with a Ganapati Stuti. The mellifluous lyrics tuned in Raag Arabhi set to adi taala brought out adeptly the magnificence of the Lord.
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“Omana Tingal” set to raga Navarasam in mishrachaputalam is a common lullaby sung in every house of Kerala. Penned by Irayiman Thampi to put Maharaja Swati Tirunal to sleep when he was a baby, it draws on the moon as a metaphor for the baby's face.
It was presented with such high emotion that it brought tears to the connoisseur's eye. Bharati Shivaji concluded her recital with “Ratisukhasarae an” an astapadi tuned in the sopanam style, receiving a standing applause.