The Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir in Patna came alive once again after a hiatus of nearly nine years, as it played host to the Pandit Hari Uppal Classical Dance Festival on Friday evening. This enchanting event celebrated the artistry of eminent Kathak and Odissi dancers, paying homage to the birth anniversary of the illustrious Padma Shri Hari Uppal, a luminary in the realms of Manipuri and Kathakali dance and the founder of Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir.
Originally established in 1963 as a museum dedicated to arts and crafts, the Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir has since expanded its horizons to include dance and drama studios, along with a magnificent art museum complete with a gallery. The event unfolded within the newly refurbished auditorium of this venerable institution.
Inaugurated by Bihar's Minister of Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Jitendra Kumar Rai, the two-day classical dance festival will culminate on Saturday.
Addressing the audience, Minister Rai remarked, "Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir holds a special place in our hearts. I am confident that this institution will continue to host similar events in the years ahead." He also expressed his admiration for Bihar's vibrant and globally acclaimed art and culture.
Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary of the Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs Department, highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, "Today, we celebrate the birth anniversary of the renowned classical dancer and Padma Shri awardee Hari Uppal at the very institution he founded. It is a matter of great pride. He laid a strong foundation for classical dance and art in the state and nurtured a rich artistic tradition."
Hari Uppal, born in September 1926, pursued his early education in Patna. From his formative years, he was drawn to various forms of art and music. Uppal joined Patna Art College, focusing on the subject of sculpture. In 1943, he secured a scholarship to Shantiniketan, where he delved into the realms of Kathakali and Manipuri dance forms, eventually mastering these art forms.
The festival commenced with a mesmerizing 'Ganesh Vandana,' presented by N Vijaya Lakshmi, the Principal Secretary of the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department of the state government.
Subsequently, the stage was graced by Rajendra Gangani, a leading exponent of the Jaipur Gharana style of Kathak and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, accompanied by his talented troupe. Their performance, titled 'Bhaav, Gati, Nrityam,' earned thunderous applause from the audience as harmonious melodies and rhythmic footwork intertwined to create an enchanting atmosphere. They were joined by acclaimed artists, including tabla virtuoso Pandit Fateh Singh Gangani, vocalist Sami Ullah Khan, and flutist Atul Shankar.
Following this captivating Kathak performance, artists from the Orissa Dance Academy in Bhubaneswar graced the stage, captivating both young and old with their spellbinding Odissi dance. On Saturday, art connoisseurs can look forward to an equally mesmerizing lineup of performances, commencing with Padma Shri awardee Geeta Chandran, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and vocalist. This will be followed by a Manipuri dance performance presented by artists from the Institute of Manipuri Performing Arts.
