Marghazhi is not just about the joy of performing, it also sets the artists thinking and researching. They come up with fresh ideas to reach out to the rasikas. For dancers, it is exciting to set-up a new production or compose a new piece.
This season, senior Bharatanatyam artist Srekala Bharath presents ‘Varahi Vandhal', which describes goddess Varahi. Boar faced with eight arms, the goddess rides on her horse Jambini. In Varanasi, Varahi is known as Patala Bhairavi. There is also a small shrine for Varahi in the Thanjavur Big Temple.
In Chennai, there is a Varahi temple in Mylapore while a bigger temple is coming up near Vedanthangal.
Srekala has interspersed the solo presentation with apt jatis and swarams to make it lively. Musician and scholar Rukmini Ramani, daughter of the legendary Papanasam Sivan, has penned the lyrics and composed the music.
Choreographed by Srekala, ‘Varahi Vandhal' will be presented on December 21 (2 p.m.) at Narada Gana Sabha, on December 28 (7.15 p.m.) at Nungambakkam Cultural Academyand December 30 (6 p.m.) at Kartik Fine Arts.
