The annual celebration of Kalpataru witnessed a spellbinding dance presentation as the students of Nrityangan Dance Group, under the choreography of Smt. Sulagna Sen, performed Vandana — a seamless sequence of four distinct Kathak forms.
The Vandana unfolded with Durga Stuti, a powerful invocation seeking blessings from Goddess Durga, followed by Tarana, a dazzling technical composition by Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, showcasing intricate footwork and rhythmic brilliance. The lyrical Sargam segment brought melodic notes to life through synchronised movements, while the finale, Shiv Stuti, offered a soulful tribute to Lord Shiva, set to another iconic composition by the maestro.
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Speaking about the presentation, choreographer Smt. Sulagna Sen remarked, “Vandana is not just a performance; it is a prayer in motion. Each segment reflects devotion, discipline, and the timeless beauty of Kathak.”
The Journey of Sulagna Sen
Sulagna Sen’s journey in Kathak began at the tender age of three under her first teacher, Joba Didi Moni, later continuing under Smt. Chaitali Chatterjee. For advanced training, she placed herself under the guidance of Smt. Sreelekha Mukherjee, a renowned Kathak Guru in Kolkata, with whom she continues to train online from Delhi.
Beyond Kathak, she is highly trained in Rabindra Nritya and Bharatanatyam, and is a Gold Medalist in Rabindra Nritya from Bangiya Sangeet Parishad, Kolkata.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Dance has been my language since childhood. From North Bengal to Meghalaya and now Delhi NCR, every stage has been a chapter in my pursuit of sharing Kathak with communities across India.”
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Nrityangan Dance Group: A Vision Realised
Driven by her passion to teach, Sulagna began offering Kathak tuitions while still in school. In 2011, she institutionalised her vision by founding Nrityangan Dance Group, originally in Sarojini Nagar and later relocating to Kidwai Nagar East, New Delhi, in 2020. Today, the school reaches a global student base through both physical and online classes, preparing students for board examinations affiliated with Prayag Sangeet Samiti (Allahabad) and Bangiya Sangeet Parishad (Kolkata).
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One of her senior students reflected on the experience: “Performing Vandana was a spiritual journey for us. Guruji’s guidance helped us connect not just with rhythm, but with the essence of devotion.”
A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
With Vandana, Sulagna Sen and her students offered more than a performance — they presented a tapestry of prayer, rhythm, and artistry, reaffirming Kathak’s timeless place in India’s cultural heritage.
