Nagpur: The enchanting ‘Akhand Ghungru Naad 2024’ captivated Nagpurians on Sunday with an uninterrupted 12-hour celebration of classical dance, music, and drama. Organized by the Nataraj Art and Culture Centre under the banner of the Dharampeth Education Society, the event featured performances by 200 classical artists, representing all eight classical dance forms of India.
The highlight of the day was an awe-inspiring Kathakali dance recital by Kalamandalam Prasad from Kerala. His 17-minute performance, adorned with intricate make-up and dramatic expressions, was remarkable, taking six hours for him to prepare with elaborate make-up and drapery. Prasad’s flawless portrayal of the traditional art form left the audience spellbound, providing a visual and emotional feast.
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Mon 20 Oct. 2024
The event commenced at 8 am with the traditional Nataraj Pooja at the Nataraj Art and Culture Centre in Dharampeth, followed by an inauguration ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries such as Shripad Aparajit, Resident Editor of Maharashtra Times, and Nikhil Mundle, trustee of the Mundle Education Trust.
The performances began with an exquisite rendition of ‘Isha Stavana’, a prayer offering presented by coordinators Avanti Kate and Pooja Hirwade, setting the stage for a day filled with cultural immersion. Artists from Maharashtra and other states, including Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, showcased their dedication and passion, enthralling the audience.
The grand finale, held at 8 pm, saw a magnificent closing ceremony where artists from all eight classical dance forms — Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, and Sattariya — performed together in a powerful rendition of the event’s theme song, bringing the celebration to a majestic close.
Now in its third year, ‘Akhand Ghungru Naad’ continues to grow in stature, drawing talent from across the country. Attendees and dance gurus praised the event for its flawless organization and artistic excellence. With unprecedented participation from classical artists nationwide, this year’s edition firmly established Nagpur as a thriving hub for classical dance lovers.
