301st Monthly Baithak

Date: 11th December 2024

Time: 6:30PM

Venue: M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35B, Chandigarh

The 301st Monthly Baithak of Pracheen Kala Kendra offered an enthralling evening of Bharatanatyam as Dr Varun Khanna, a young and promising dancer popularly known as The Dancing Dentist, mesmerized the audience with his captivating performance. Held at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium in PKK-35 complex, the program delighted the city’s art lovers with a unique thematic presentation titled “Dance with a Message, for a Change.”

The recital commenced with invoking the majestic Himalayan Mountains, paying homage to their grandeur, spiritual significance, and diverse natural beauty. This was followed by Ardhanarishwara Ashtakam, a powerful composition by Saint Adi Shankaracharya, which depicted one of India’s earliest references to gender equality.

Continuing with thought-provoking themes, Dr Khanna presented Yeppadi Manam Tunindado, a Tamil composition portraying Sita’s perspective as she questioned Lord Rama’s decision to leave for exile without her consent, underscoring the importance of women’s rights and respect in society.

Breaking the conventional association of Bharatanatyam with devotional or pure dance pieces, he introduced a playful Thumri titled “Kanhaiya Tora Kara Main Kaise Byahun Radhe,” where Radha’s friends humorously debated Krishna’s dark complexion as a supposed barrier to marriage. The performance subtly addressed racism, emphasizing that character, not colour, defines a person.

The program moved toward its conclusion with a powerful rendition of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, reimagined to highlight the strength, resilience, and multifaceted role of Indian women as they navigate everyday challenges. The recital ended on an innovative note with a Punjabi Shabad, “Aar Nanak,” sung by Diljit Dosanjh, showcasing the versatility of Bharatanatyam beyond its traditional boundaries.

At the end of the event, Kendra Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser honoured Dr Varun Khanna for his exceptional performance, inspiring and enriching the audience.