Whether it is drama or dance, three to four Rasas out of nine described in the Natya Sasthra are generally seen. But the Rasa Bichatra, presented on Tuesday at the Jayadev Bhawan here, was totally different. It is because in a single production, all the nine Rasas were nicely presented. The story was on birth of lord Ganesh.
lord Shiva is tired after dancing taandava and rests on the lap of Parvati. By the touch of the hands of Parvati, he feels the call of Cupid whereby Shringaara rasa enters. Parvati gives life to a toy child made by her out of rubbed off turmeric paste and thus Ganesha is born.
Once Parvati asks Ganeshsa to guard the door as she is busy in some important work at home and does not want to be disturbed. Shiva arrives at the door and wants to get inside his house, but Ganesha does not allow him as he is bound by the order of his mother. Ganesha even does not know who Shiva is and stops him with all his might. Veera rasa is seen here. Shiva cannot tolerate this small child who defies him. His angry eyes burn like fire and he becomes an embodiment of Raudra Rasa. With this sight of Shiva all present there shiver out of fear. Here the rasa is Bhayanaka rasa. Shiva then beheads Ganesha. The head rolls on the floor as blood is spilled everywhere creating a scene, depicting Beebhasta Rasa. Parvati appears and cries profusely at the sight of the death of her dear son. The entire atmosphere is filled with Kaarunya Rasa. Shiva now understands his mistake and fixes an elephant head on the body of the child Ganesha. All are surprised at Ganesha’s appearance, thus gives feeling of Adbhuta Rasa. They tease Ganesh and make fun with him about his elephant head. And Hasya rasa is here. When there is peace everywhere, Shiva sits on meditation. The situation denotes Shaanta Rasa.
Four male and five female dancers of Utkal Dance and Research Academy left no stone unturned in giving justice in essaying the characters. Stage management was excellent; so were the facial expressions and body languages. At the end, there was a huge round of applause praising each part of the production.
The piece was choreographed by young but talented dancer Pravat Kumar Swain. The concept and script was by Pandit Nityananda Mishra while music composition was by Sukant Kumar Kundu and rhythm was composed by Guru Dhaneswar Swain.