Hari Om
Today, October 15th, marked the first day of Lakshmi Pooja.
Following this, was the various performances by the different Sitar students. The first group which comprised of Hema Priya, Nivashini and Yogavalli played a Ghat in Bhairav and were accompanied on the Tabla by their Guru, Shri Kumar Karthigesu.
Kala played a Druth Laya Ghat, also set to Yaman Kalyan Raag.
This piece was in Teentaal and ended with a Jhala (fast-paced patterns of notes).
The final Sitar performance was by Prita Nambiar. She played a Dhun (almost like a folk-song) in Raag Mishra Kamaj. These students were all accompanied by Meenalochani Shunmugam on the Tabla.
Following the enchanting tunes and rhythms of the Sitar and Tabla, we were treated to a solo Bharatanatyam offering by Kasturi Somasundram. She performed a composition of our Beloved Swamiji entitled 'Adhi Parashakthi Adukindral'.
Next came the Love Offerings of our Guest Artistes, Shrimathi Geetha Shankaran Lam and Kumari Hemavathi Sivanesan. They performed the classical dance style of Odissi. It began with Magalacharan by
Geetha followed by Sthyai by Hemavathi.
This was followed by an Abhinaya piece which left many awestruck at the way Geetha expressed the emotion of the song. This piece was based on the Ramayana. She first showcased Shringara (Love) followed by Veeram (Valor), Karunyam (Compassion), Hasyam (Laughter), Bhayanakam (Fear), Adbutha (Wonder), Roudram (Anger) and finally Shantam (Peace).
Following that, Hemavathi performed another Abhinaya piece, this time based on Lord Krishna. Entitled Yahi Mathava, it shows Radha feeling hurt and betrayed by the Lord, on seeing him with another Gopi. Hemavathi truly brought out the emotion of the song and left many in tears.
The finale was Moksha, which concluded with a prayer.
TFA Penang wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to these marvelous artistes for coming and part-taking in these festivities.
Tomorrow, October the 16th, we will feature more budding talents of Vocal and Veena. Our guest artistes tomorrow are Kasturi and Thachayini, two sisters who are accomplished Kuchipudi dancers.
Do join us tomorrow! Till then, Hari Om.