Traditional dance delights audience

Dancer Jyothi Reddy presented a Kuchipudi recital with her students Tharishya, Indu, Driti and Pravalika at the beautiful Iskcon Hare Krishna golden Temple, Banjara hills of Swayambhu Narasimhaon the occasion of Gaura Purnima celebration on Thursday.

The advent of the holy name took place along with that of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and this Festival was grandly celebrated including Sankirtan, Abhishekam and Maha Arati. The artistes were elegantly attired in costumes similar to the Gaudiya Vaishnava robes and presented a picture of divine devotional bliss to suit the atmosphere.

The melodious chanting evoked soulfulness. Verses of 'Srila Prabhupada Pranam Mantra ' and ' Pancha Tattva Mantra ' started the program. The eminent swamiji and other gurus of Krishna consciousness were thus honoured.The main item ' Shikshastakam ' then commenced. Krishna sankirtana cleanses hearts and extinguishes repeated life cycles.It is the life of transcendental knowledge and bliss. The prime benediction of humanity is eagerly sought after as the taste of bliss-filled nectar.

The dancers gracefully mimed the meaning in sublime gestures. The million myriad names of the Lord which contain potent energy are chanted in easy approach constantly in a humble frame of mind.Endless devotion alone is desired without any worldlydistractions.

Krishna's help is requested for rescue from the mundane to reach his lotus feet. The intense feelings aroused by his presence are ardently sought. The devotee is mute and awestruck in the divine presence. He is full of respect to others and devoid of the Ego.

Separation is unendurable giving rise to feelings of vacant helplessness in a tearful agony. The unconditional grace of Krishna is hence besought. Intricate Jathis were interspersed between the slokas bringing energy to the performance. The pastel colours evoked a subtlety of movement which was exquisite and enchanting to behold.

The event was concluded with the 'Hare Krishna Maha Mantra'. Hymns were faithfully mirrored in delicate abhinaya. The audience felt it was transported to vrindavan with this successful evocation of bhakti helped by the cool green garden environs surrounding the Temple; thus, heightening the awareness of the greatness of Vaishnava devotional ecstasy which permeated throughout. The ballet was well appreciated, and the devotees' applause was resounding, providing a well-deserved encouragement to the artistes.