Tag: Chandigarh

  • 302nd Monthly Baithak

    Date: 11th December 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    The 302nd Monthly Baithak Programme of Pracheen Kala Kendra mesmerized the city’s music lovers with an exhilarating Tabla recital by Dr. Neeraj Shandil, an eminent Tabla exponent from Shimla. Held at M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, the event witnessed a spellbinding performance where Dr. Shandil captivated the audience with the sheer brilliance of his rhythmic mastery.

    He was ably accompanied by his father, Dr. R.S. Shandil, a renowned Harmonium exponent whose accompaniment added richness to the recital.

    At the end of the event, Sh. Sajal Koser, Pt. Sushil Jain and Dr Jagmohan Sharma honoured the artists with a scroll of Pracheen Kala Kendra and a memento, marking a successful evening of rhythm, tradition, and artistic brilliance.

  • Ahilaya by Dr. Samira Koser

    Date: 21st November 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

    Venue: Tagore Theatre, Chandgiarh

    The second day of the ongoing Sanskar Bharti Kala Utsav, a five-day festival organized by Sanskar Bharti in collaboration with NZCC, Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy, witnessed a mesmerizing Kathak dance ballet titled “Ahilaya” by Dr Samira Koser.

    The festival, taking place at Tagore Theatre from 20th to 24th November 2024, continues to bring captivating performances to art lovers—esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. Saubhagya Vardhan of Sanskar Bharti and Sh. Sajal Koser, Secretary of Pracheen Kala Kendra, graced the occasion.

    An eminent Kathak dance exponent, Dr. Samira Koser, began her presentation with an invocatory piece, “Krishna Stuti”, beautifully set to the bols “Bali Bali Mohan Murat Ki Bali”. Through her expressive movements, she depicted the mesmerizing beauty of Lord Krishna and her reverence towards him. She then transitioned into her main presentation, “Ahilaya”, a poignant portrayal of one of the most deeply moving mythological stories.

    The performance narrated the tale of Ahilaya, the daughter of Brahma Ji, renowned for her unmatched beauty and grace. Married to Maharishi Gautam, she fell victim to Indra Dev’s deceit when he, enamoured by her beauty, disguised himself as her husband. When Maharishi Gautam discovered the truth, he cursed Ahilaya and turned it into stone. However, with the divine touch of Lord Shri Ram’s feet, she was liberated and regained her human form. The ballet retold this legendary story and raised a thought-provoking question—whether Indra’s lust or Gautam Rishi’s curse in every situation Ahilaya suffered. Dr. Samira’s powerful performance subtly highlighted that even today, a woman’s dignity continues to be challenged, emphasizing the need to transform societal perspectives and foster a more just and equitable world.

    Her deeply expressive abhinaya and bhavas captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impact. She was ably supported by an exceptional team of musicians, including Guru Brij Mohan Gangani on Padhant, Sh. Madho Prasad on vocals, Sh. Shakeel Ahmed and Sh. Mehmood Khan on Tabla, Sh. Saleem Kumar on Sitar, Sh. Mahaveer Gangani on Pakhawaj, and Sh. Azhar Shakeel on Violin. Dr Samira’s stellar performance won the audience’s hearts and reinforced the timeless relevance of Ahilaya’s story in today’s society.

  • 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.

  • 300th Monthly Baithak

    Date: 10th October 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    The 300th Monthly Baithak of Pracheen Kala Kendra was a grand two-day celebration, marking the silver jubilee of this uninterrupted monthly concert series. Held on the 10th and 11th of October at M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, the event featured mesmerizing performances by some of the most talented artists, leaving the city’s music lovers enthralled.

    Day 1: Santoor and Tabla Recital

    The first evening was a breathtaking confluence of santoor and tabla, featuring young and promising santoor player Debsagar Malik alongside renowned tabla exponent Ustad Babar Latif.

    He was ably accompanied by Dr Nitin Sharma on tabla, enhancing the depth of the recital.

    Following this, Ustad Babar Latif, an exponent of the Delhi Gharana, took centre stage for an exhilarating tabla solo. His rhythmic brilliance was complemented by sarangi player Rajesh Kumar, who added an emotive touch to the recital.

    The evening concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where Dr. Shobha Koser, Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser, and tabla guru Pt. Sushil Jain honoured the artists with uttariyas and mementoes.

    Day 2: Vocal and Sitar Recital

    The second and concluding day featured a mesmerizing vocal recital by Vani Rao from Bhopal and a spellbinding sitar performance by city-based artist Soumen Bhattacharjee, an Assistant Professor at Punjab University and a renowned performer. Tabla exponent Mehmood Khan and Pt Damodar Rao on Harmonium accompanied her, enriching the recital with expert support.

    The final performance of the evening was an enchanting sitar recital by Soumen Bhattacharjee. Tabla maestro Sh Siddharth Chatterjee accompanied him, whose rhythmic prowess added another dimension to the recital.

    The grand event concluded with the felicitation of the artists by Dr. Shobha Koser (SNA Awardee and Registrar), Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser, Tabla Guru Pt. Sushil Jain, and Dr Harvinder Sharma.

    The 300th Monthly Baithak was a true celebration of Indian classical music, bringing together extraordinary talent and reaffirming Pracheen Kala Kendra’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India.

  • Bhajan Sandhya on Gandhi Jayanti

    Date: 2nd October 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a special musical evening on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at its M.L. Koser Auditorium, located in the Sector 35 complex. The evening featured a soulful Bhajan Sandhya by Chandigarh-based singer Rajinder Sagar, who enthralled the audience with a heartfelt tribute to the Father of the Nation through his melodious renditions of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajans.

    Rajinder Sagar, a disciple of Pandit Yashpal Ji, Shri Bhupinder Sheetal, and Shri Arvind Dutt Ji, showcased his musical prowess with devotional and patriotic songs. He began the evening with Hey Ram and presented deeply moving bhajans like Ram Ka Gungaan Kariye, Sukh Ke Sab Saathi, and Payo Ji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo. His tribute continued with patriotic renditions such as Watan Pe Jo Fida Hoga and Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet Sada, filling the auditorium with reverence and national pride. The evening ended mesmerising with Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, leaving the audience spellbound.

    Rajinder Sagar was ably accompanied by Deepak Dhingra on tabla, Prakash Chand on flute, and Jaswant Singh on keyboard, adding depth and harmony to the soulful melodies. Dr. Malkit Singh Jandiala, Head of the Gurmat Department of Pracheen Kala Kendra, expertly compered the program. In a gesture of appreciation, Dr Jandiala honoured the artists with bouquets and mementoes at the end of the event.

  • 299th Monthly Baithak

    Date: 11th August 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    Pracheen Kala Kendra’s 299th Monthly Baithak was illuminated with the mesmerizing grace of Kathak as Delhi-based danseuse Sree Bandyopadhyay enthralled the audience with her dynamic and expressive performance. The event, held at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35, Chandigarh, witnessed an evening filled with the rhythmic charm and elegance of Indian classical dance.

    A disciple of Guru Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj ji, Sree Bandyopadhyay, has pursued Kathak professionally for the past decade. Throughout her performance, Sree’s flawless synchronization, emotive storytelling, and deep understanding of Taal and Laya won immense appreciation from the audience and art connoisseurs alike. She was brilliantly accompanied by an exceptional ensemble – Ustad Shakeel Ahmed Khan on Tabla, Lavanya Ambade on Sitar, Atul Devesh on Vocals, and Jaya Bhatt on Padant (rhythmic recitation).

    At the end of the mesmerizing recital, Kendra Registrar and eminent Kathak Guru Dr. Shobha Koser, along with Secretary Shri Sajal Koser, honoured the artists with mementoes, appreciating their contribution to the world of Indian classical arts.

    This spellbinding evening of Kathak was yet another milestone in Pracheen Kala Kendra’s legacy of promoting Indian classical arts, leaving the audience inspired and immersed in the rhythmic beauty of the dance form.

  • Kanha Bhakti Ras

    Date: 24th August 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    To celebrate the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Pracheen Kala Kendra organized a special Bhajan Sandhya, filling the air with divine melodies and spiritual fervour. The event, held at the M.L. Koser Auditorium, was a soulful tribute to Lord Krishna, featuring the renowned Ambala-based singer Mrs. Sunita Dua Sehgal, who mesmerized the audience with her devotional renditions.

    The musical brilliance of Sunita Dua Sehgal was further enhanced by a talented ensemble of accompanists, including Prakash Chand on flute, Jaswant Singh on keyboard, Sarabjeet Shibu on tabla, Arun Kumar on octapad, and vocal support from Neha and Simrat.

    At the end of the program, the artists were honoured with mementoes, recognizing their contribution to this spiritually enriching musical evening. The Bhajan Sandhya perfectly blended melody, devotion, and cultural heritage, making it a truly memorable celebration of Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

  • Indradhanush ke Rang, Janambhoomi ke Sang

    Date: 21st August 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

    Venue: Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh

    A special dance evening, Indradhanush Ke Rang, Janmabhoomi Ke Sang, was organized at Tagore Theatre under the joint aegis of Pracheen Kala Kendra and Sanskar Bharti Chandigarh. The event featured a mesmerizing dance ballet conceptualized, choreographed, and directed by Dr. Samira Koser, showcasing the immense talent of students aged 8 to 55 who are receiving rigorous training at Pracheen Kala Kendra under the Guru-Shishya Parampara. The graceful Kathak performances captivated the audience and included remarkable presentations by international students training at the Kendra under the ICCR Scholarship Program.

    The evening was graced by the presence of Shri Sanjay Tandon (Member, Head BJP National Executive & Incharge, BJP Himachal Pradesh) as the Chief Guest, and Shri Lavish Chawla (Mahamantri, Sanskar Bharti Punjab) as the Guest of Honor. Also present on this auspicious occasion were Shri Sajal Koser (Secretary, Pracheen Kala Kendra), Dr. Shobha Koser (Registrar, Pracheen Kala Kendra), Prof. Saubhagya Vardhan, Shri Yashpal Sharma (Chairman, Sanskar Bharti) and Shri Manoj Kumar (Secretary, Sanskar Bharti), among other dignitaries.

    The event commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by Chaturanga, a mesmerizing dance performance portraying the divine moments of Radha and Krishna, as dancers gracefully performed to the soulful lyrics Nachat Krishna Kanhaiya, Bajat Paijaniya. This was followed by a beautifully choreographed Sawan piece, Badarwa Barsan Ko Aaye Re, capturing the joyous essence of the monsoon season. Next, the artists enthralled the audience with Trivat, a composition combining Bhaav, Nritya, and Tode, followed by an exquisite Saraswati Vandana in reverence to Goddess Saraswati.

    One of the evening’s highlights was the electrifying Shiva Tandava, a powerful performance depicting the fierce Rudra form of Lord Shiva, which received thunderous applause from the audience. The grand finale was the dance drama Indradhanush Ke Rang, Janmabhoomi Ke Sang, an artistic tribute to India’s glorious journey as a Vishwaguru, weaving together themes of progress, unity, and national pride. Beginning with Bharat Vandana, the performance beautifully envisioned an India free from social evils, jealousy, and hatred while paying heartfelt homage to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.

    The audience deeply resonated with the dance drama’s evocative portrayal of India’s developmental journey and the contemporary issues faced by the country. The evening left an indelible mark on the hearts of the spectators, who lauded Kendra’s efforts in fostering artistic expression and national consciousness through dance. The program concluded with a felicitation ceremony where the artists were honoured with flowers to appreciate their stellar performances.

  • 298th Monthly Baithak

    Date: 11th August 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    The 298th Monthly Baithak Programme, organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra, was a mesmerizing evening of Hindustani classical music that left the audience spellbound. Held at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium, Chandigarh, this musical evening featured an enthralling Tabla solo by Sh. Gautam Pal, followed by a soulful vocal recital by Sh. Gunjan Channa.

    Sh. Gautam Pal, an accomplished Tabla virtuoso from Jaipur, commenced the event and was beautifully supported by Shri Gurpreet Singh Moga on the Harmonium.

    Following the exhilarating Tabla performance, Shri Gunjan Channa took centre stage for a stirring vocal recital. Shri Rajesh Brahmbhatt skillfully accompanied him on Tabla and Shri Madan Kashyap on Harmonium.

    The evening concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where Dr. Shobha Koser (SNA Awardee & Registrar), Shri Sajal Koser (Secretary, Pracheen Kala Kendra), Pandit Sushil Jain (Tabla Guru), and Dr. Jagmohan Sharma honoured the artists with bouquets, a scroll of appreciation, and a memento, acknowledging their remarkable performances.

  • 297th Monthly Baithak

    Date: 20th July 2024

    Time: 6:30PM

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

    The 297th Monthly Baithak Programme of Pracheen Kala Kendra was a mesmerizing evening featuring a spellbinding Santoor recital by Dr Bipul Kumar Roy, a promising young artist from Delhi. The event was a true musical delight, held at the M.L. Koser Indoor Auditorium. Bipul captivated the audience with his impeccable technique, intricate layakaries, and soulful expressions on the Santoor. The evening was graced by Dr. Shobha Koser (Senior Kathak Guru & Registrar, Pracheen Kala Kendra) and Sh. Sajal Koser (Secretary, Pracheen Kala Kendra).

    Adding to the grandeur of the evening, Ustad Akram Khan, a renowned Tabla maestro, provided exceptional rhythmic accompaniment, enhancing the melodic brilliance of the Santoor.

    The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony where Sh. Sajal Koser (Secretary, Pracheen Kala Kendra) honoured the artists and expressed gratitude towards the media, artists, and the distinguished audience for their unwavering support in making the event a grand success.