The monsoon has always been a source of inspiration for artists across different art forms. Whether it’s the poetry of Kalidasa and Amaru or the paintings of the Moghul, Kangra, and Rajput schools, or the soulful raags of Hindustani music, the beauty of rain finds its expression in various ways. Capturing this mood and the myriad colors of the rainy season, the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra organized the ‘Varsha-Mangal’ festival of music and dance at the Kamani auditorium in Delhi.

The two-day festival showcased captivating performances by senior artists, highlighting the rich cultural heritage associated with the monsoon season. The festival concluded with a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Prerana Shrimali, who beautifully portrayed the emotions of love and separation through the verses of Hindi poet Dev. The audience was transported into a world where the nayika dreams of spending time with Krishna on a swing during the rains, only to wake up and find tears in her eyes instead of her beloved.

Prerana Shrimali, reflecting on her dance, said, ‘Dance feels like a raag to me. There is the same kind of elaboration in alapchari, compositions in different tempos, and a vast range of emotions, just like in Hindustani classical music.’ Her performance was accompanied by talented musicians, including Fateh Singh Gangani on the tabla, Sandeep Gangani on vocals, Himanshu Dutta on the flute, and Fateh Ali on the sitar.

The festival also featured an Odissi performance by Sujata Mohapatra, who mesmerized the audience with her graceful moves. She began with an invocation to Jagannath and went on to depict the beauty of the monsoon season through her choreography. The music, composed by Pt. Raghunath Panigrahi, added depth to her performance, enhancing the interpretation of Kalidasa’s ‘Ritu-Samhar.’

Pt. Madhup Mudgal’s vocal recital was one of the highlights of the festival, as he showcased the myriad shades of the Malhar raag. His soulful rendition of traditional compositions and his improvisations left the audience spellbound. From Raag Miyan Malhar to Megh and Ramdasi, Mudgal’s performance captured the essence of the monsoon in all its glory.

The festival also included other talented artists, such as Pt. Biswajit Roychoudhury, who mesmerized the audience with his Sarod recital. His choice of raags and the mastery of his instrument showcased his musical prowess. The Varsha Mangal festival 2023 truly celebrated the melodies of the monsoon, bringing together artists from different disciplines to create a unique and enchanting experience for the audience.

The monsoon season has always been a muse for artists, inspiring them to create innovative interpretations. From the melodies of Megh-Malhar on the flute to the powerful abhinaya performances, the Varsha Mangal festival showcased the beauty and emotions associated with the rains. It reminded us once again of the timeless connection between art and nature, and how the monsoon continues to captivate and inspire artists in their creative journeys.