‘Ram-Shyam’: Kathak performance to mark Janmashtami

Bhartiya Sangeet Sadan and India International Centre will present Ram-Shyam, a Kathak and Brij-Raas celebration of Janmashtami by Padma Bhushan awardee Uma Sharma and her disciples, on Saturday, August 16 at the India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi. The performance will begin at 6:30 PM in the Main Auditorium. Entry is open to all.

Now in its 21st consecutive year, Ram-Shyam—described by Sharma as “Dances for the Gods, by the Gods”—explores the virtues of Lord Ram and the divine leelas of Lord Krishna, weaving together stories from the Ramayan and Maharaas Leela. The evening will open with the screening of Shri-Radha, a short film produced by Dr Sharma, followed by her own Thumri-Abhinaya presentation.

Highlights from the Krishna segment will include Goverdhan Leela, Makhan Chori Leela, and Kalia Mardan Leela—the latter depicting young Krishna’s encounter with the serpent Kalia. The performance will conclude with the grand Maharaas dance, in which Krishna multiplies himself to dance with every gopi.

Also Read: ‘Krishna’: A dance drama on the life and legacy of Lord Krishna

Music for the production is by the late Pandit Jwala Prasad, with choreography by Dr Uma Sharma. The chief guest for the evening will be Dr Kiran Seth, founder of SPIC MACAY.

When: August 16; 6:30 PM onwards

Where: Main Auditorium, India International Centre (IIC), Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi