‘lqjnkl th ds Hkfä esa tks jax gS]
ogh jax thou esa cl tkrk gSA’
(Just like the devotion in Surdas Ji's poetry,
it fills our lives with love and meaning)
In the soft glow of the spotlight, where music casts its magic and dance flows with the rhythm of devotion, the Sant Shiromani Surdas Mahotsav unfolded as a rare gem, shimmering with the glow of India’s classical arts and spiritual heritage. It was an invitation to step into a world where time slows and the sacred words of Sant Surdas meet the expressions of dance and music.
The Geetanjali International Foundation proudly presented the 5th edition of the Sant Shiromani Surdas Mahotsav. This grand celebration paid tribute to the 16th-century Bhakti poet Sant Surdas, alloying Indian classical dance and music to showcase the spiritual and artistic heritage of the revered saint. As the opening notes of the tabla reverberated through the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, it was clear that the evening was destined to be something extraordinary. There’s something deeply moving about watching dancers embody poetry, not just through their steps, but in their very being. This was evident from the moment Diksha Rawat and Karthika Unnikrishnan, disciples of the esteemed Vidushi Uma Dogra, took the stage. Kathak, often described as a dance of storytelling, was brought to life in the most vibrant and energetic manner. With each swirl, each beat of the ghungroo, they seemed to move beyond just physical steps, offering a glimpse into the soul of Surdas’s poetry, which itself was steeped in devotion and longing.
And then came Rani Khanam, whose Kathak solo performance was nothing short of enchanting. The bhajan she performed, “lqanj cnu lq[k lnu ';ke dks,” translated into a visual display of grace, passion and beauty. One could almost see the words of Surdas materialise as her feet danced in rhythm, each step echoing the love and longing of a devotee gazing at Krishna. What struck the audience the most was the emotional charge she brought to her performance. It was as though she wasn’t simply dancing, she was telling a story that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Equally captivating was Rama Vaidyanathan’s Bharatanatyam performance. There’s something inherently powerful about the way Bharatanatyam communicates emotion. In her portrayal of the Nayika’s yearning for Lord Vishnu, Vaidyanathan’s expressions were a masterclass in silent storytelling. Her eyes, her hands, every angle of her body spoke volumes, capturing the delicate interplay of longing and love in a way that words could scarcely do justice. True dance is never just about physical movement, it’s about the silent dialogue between the dancer and the audience, a dialogue that connects deeply and unspoken.
But what truly made the evening unforgettable was the duet between Rani Khanam and Rama Vaidyanathan. As they danced together, interpreting a playful poem by Sant Surdas, it was as if the very essence of Krishna’s mischievous nature danced through them. Watching these two talented artists, each representing a different classical tradition, merge their energies was a moment of pure magic. The chemistry between them was visible and the playful interaction between Krishna and his devotees came to life through their expressions, perfectly capturing Surdas’s wit and deep devotion.
The performance left the audience reminded once again of the power of classical arts to evoke deep emotions and connect people to something greater than themselves. The Sant Shiromani Surdas Mahotsav was a celebration of a poet’s legacy, of India’s soul and its arts, an experience that connected everyone in attendance to something much larger than themselves.
Photos: Pankaj Kumar
