DILIP GUHA ★ New Delhi : Recently, the second edition of the ‘Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav’ concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with a special focus on the Southern states of India.
This Mahotsav showcased the rich heritage and vibrant cultures of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry, offering visitors a glimpse into their diverse traditions and customs.
The festival provided an expansive platform for artists, artisans, performers, writers, and culinary experts from these states, enabling them to present their unique talents and craft. By celebrating the creative and cultural wealth of Southern India, the Mahotsav not only honored these states’ traditions but also fostered a deeper appreciation for India’s collective heritage.
On the special occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) presented a choreographic presentation featuring all women performers at The Vividhta ka Amit Mahotsav, the event showcased various dance and music performances, by talented female artists from all these south Indian states, in a grand manner.
Women artists from Andhra Pradesh performed Dhimsa, a tribal dance, and a fusion of Kuchipudi. A Kuchipudi dance performance by a team led by Abhinaya Nagajothy was an enthralling experience.
Abhinaya Nagajothy is a kuchipudi artist and researcher from New Delhi, disciple and daughter of Guru Smt Seetha Nagajothy and Guru Sri P. Nagajothy. She trained under the Gurus since the age of five years and received both junior and senior scholarships for dance through CCRT, Govt of India. She completed her M Phil from the Centre for Historical Studies researching dance forms in Early Medieval South India and is continuing to do so in her PhD at JNU. The Ministry of Culture recently awarded her a Junior Fellowship to further academic research in Kuchipudi.
Earlier, she was recognized as a Doordarshan’s Grade A artist in 2011. She is empanelled in Festivals of India and has toured several countries through the government of India, showcasing her art form. She has toured for the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) and India International Rural Cultural Centre(IRCEN), conducting lectures and demonstrations throughout India. She has been featured in major dance festivals and organisations like Khajuraho, Natyanjali Chidambaram, Red Fort during the Republic Day, G20 Summit, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Kalakshetra Foundation Chennai.
Regarding current presentations, she said under the meticulous guidance of the revered dance maestros, Guru Smt. Seetha Nagajothy and Guru Sri P. Nagajothy, her team of accomplished dancers, delivered a stunning performance that radiated both discipline and artistic expression.
Their presentation featured the intricate choreography of their Gurus in a mesmerizing piece titled “Shiva Tarangam”. This performance encapsulated the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer and the embodiment of creation and destruction.
One of the standout moments of the piece was the depiction of the titled “Gangavatarana”, the celestial descent of the sacred Ganges River onto Earth, guided by Lord Shiva’s divine hair locks. This segment was an awe-inspiring portrayal of spiritual grandeur, blending precision with emotive storytelling.
The dancers exhibited remarkable grace and technical mastery, embodying both the flow and power of the Ganges in their movements. Their performance not only paid homage to their Gurus’ creative vision but also left the audience spellbound, resonating deeply with the profound symbolism of the narrative.
The dancers of her team were Sai Sirisha Bhamidi, Aparna Reddy, Laksminarasimhan Shruti, Kavya Gopalakrishnan, Rudra Vaishnavi Karanam, Aishwarya CS, Amrita, and Keerthana Subramanian, all clad in a beautiful Kalamkari costume designed by Abhinaya Nagajothy representing Andhra Pradesh.
The music was set and sung by Smt. Sudha Raghuraman and Nattuvangam by Abhinaya Nagajothy herself.
The cultural performance at Rashtrapati Bhawan was a resounding success. Speaking on the occasion about her experiences at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Abhinaya Nagajothy said that she was thrilled to have been a part of it.
She said, “It was a testament to the power of art and culture to bring people together and celebrate our diversity. I felt an immediate connection with the audience as they were so receptive to the performance right from the beginning. Their receptiveness and enthusiasm were palpable, and it was clear that they were eager to immerse themselves in the cultural performance.”
“The unity in our country is reflected in our diversity of culture rooted to heritage and its admiration by all. This experience at Rashtrapati Bhavan was truly unique and a moment of pride for me and all my dancers on stage. I look forward to future opportunities to share our cultural heritage with audiences across the country.”
“We were honored to have been given this opportunity by the South Zone Cultural Center, and we are grateful for their support,” she added.
Image : Dilip Guha
