‘Rhythms of Reverence’: An evening of lineage, devotion

The second edition of Rhythms of Reverence will be presented at Triveni Kala Sangam Auditorium on November 22, offering an exploration of Bharatanatyam’s rich heritage through movement, music and spiritual inquiry.

Conceived and choreographed by Guru Sindhu Mishra, the production revisits works rooted in the classical bani of the legendary Guru Shri Dhandayuthapani Pillai, tracing an unbroken lineage carried forward through Guru KN Dakshinamurthy to the present generation of dancers. The evening seeks to create a dialogue between tradition and contemporary interpretation within the Bharatanatyam framework.

The programme will open with Gaaiye Ganapati Jaga Vandana, a devotional piece from Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, set to Raagam Charukeshi and Adi Talam. Blending Hindustani and Carnatic textures, the composition invokes Lord Ganapati and concludes with a prayer for Ram and Sita. It will be performed by Arshia Mathur and Krithika Kumar.

This will be followed by Navadurga, an interpretation of the nine forms of the Devi through Adi Shankaracharya’s Nav Durga Stotram. Each verse is set to a raagam and taalam reflecting the Devi’s distinct essence—her compassion, ferocity, grace and intelligence. The piece will be presented by the Aayam Dance Troupe, featuring Ria Gupta, Tanusha Tyagi, Ashi Vats, Vibhooti Bhardwaj, Shatakshi Gupta, Arshia Mathur and Krithika Kumar.

The evening will conclude with a vibrant Thillana composed by Poochi Sreenivaasa Aiyyangaar in Raagam Paras and Adi Talam, offered in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Dancers Ria Gupta, Tanusha Tyagi, Ashi Vats, Vibhooti Bhardwaj and Shatakshi Gupta will perform the finale.

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With its blend of devotion, rhythmic complexity and artistic inheritance, Rhythms of Reverence brings together dancers and musicians to honour both the classical past and the evolving present of Bharatanatyam.

When: November 22; 6 PM onwards

Where: Triveni Kala Sangam Auditorium, Tansen Marg, New Delhi