On the evening of October 30, the Durga Dalaan at Mallick Bari, Bhowanipore bore witness to a magnificent display of classical music and dance that paid fitting tribute to the rich legacy of India’s diverse and shared cultural heritage. The programme was also an initiative to revive the colonial era tradition of opening up the private mansions of wealthy landowners to public performances during festive times. Named Legacy Concert, it featured a sitar recital by Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury and a series of choreographic presentations by Sohini Roychowdhury and Sohinimoksha dance troupe. Organised for a private gathering comprising a select, distinguished audience, the performance experience was heightened by the very setting in which it was staged. Filled with the sweet fragrance of autumnal blossoms, the courtyard of Mallick Bari with its pillars and verandahs typical of old aristocratic Indian households, provided the perfect ambience to the select milieu of guests to indulge in nostalgia and immerse in a refined, cultural experience. Snapshots.
An insightful choreography on Shiva and Parvati depicted the Gods as two aspects of the universe that complement each other and dwelt on the importance of protecting and preserving the environment. While Shiva portrayed purush (mankind), Parvati was an embodiment of prakriti (nature).
The ode to Lord Ganesha was an entreaty to remove all obstacles and help mankind achieve its goals of knowledge, wisdom and prosperity.
Set to a Tchaikovsky composition, a fusion choreographic piece by Sohinimoksha celebrated humanity in all its beauty and diversity
Indrajit Roy-Chowdhuryperformed a solo sitar recital in Raga Maru Bihag, accompanied by Rupak Bhattacharjee on the tabla. Alternating between soft, dulcet notes and sparkling rhythms that rose to a crescendo, the melodious, free-flowing performance evoked delightful sensations and provided pure, sensuous pleasure.
