Second day ‘RabindraPranati

Today (8th May, 2011) was the second day of the week long festival, ‘RabindraPranati’ organized by the Sangeet Natak Akdemi under the auspices of Ministry of Culture to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore at Ravindra Bhawan, New Delhi. The day saw enthralling Manipuri and Kathak Performances by Tamana Rahman (Bangladesh) and Prerana Shirmali respectively followed by an enchanting medley of Rabindra Sangeet by Shama Rahman and Lilly Islam from Bangladesh and Sanjoy Sarkar(India). The evening was further alighted by the recitations of the Bangladeshi poet Bhaswar Bandopahyay.

Tamana Rahman, the accomplished (founder of the Nrityam Nrityasheelon Kendra, Dhaka) Manipuri dancer from Bangladesh held the audience at Meghdoot Theatre-III captive by an artful dance performance based on ‘Nodi’, a poem by Tagore that enunciates the surreal confluence of nature and civilization. Tamana Rahman’s beautiful articulation of Nodi was followed by the mesmeric performance by Prerana Shirmali. Perarna Shermali, a versatile Kathak Dancer hailing from the ‘Jaipur Gharana’ performed on excerpts of three poems from Geetanjali, ‘Abhisar’, ‘Aao’ and ‘Aroop’. Both these performances were part of the Katha Kavya Abhinaya’ and were staged twice at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Meghdoot Theatre III.

The audience at the Rabindra Bhawan witnessed not only the fascinating dance performances but was also indulged with soulful live music from 7 p.m. onwards. As a part of ‘Sangeetavritti’ organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi the open air theatre of Ravindra Bhawan, Meghdoot Theatre-I echoed with harmonious musical performances of Rabindra Sangeet by the very talented Shama Rahman and Lily Islam from Bangladesh. Shama Rahman while explaining what Rabindra Sangeet means to her eloquently stated, “through Tagore's songs and poems, I can express all my inner feelings. Tagore songs enrich me greatly. When I am happy, sad or in trouble, I take shelter in Rabindra Nath. I like to share that experience with people.” The musical extravaganza was taken further by the performance of Sanjoy Sarkar, the gifted Bengali singer from Delhi.

The event also boasted of poetry recitation by the celebrated Bangla poet Dr. Bhaswar Bandhopadhyay. Bhaswar Bandhopadhya recited ‘Shishu Tritha’ written by Tagore. The poem expresses and glorifies the victory of humanity.

The day two of the Rabindra Pranati was much enjoyed by Tagore fans and other Dance, music and poetry enthusiasts. The day saw some exquisite performance by both Bangladeshi and Indian artists. To quote Ms. Shanta Sarabjeet Singh, Vice-Chairman Sangeet Natak Akademi, “Nothing captures the flavor of Ravindra Sangeet more than the performances put up by the artists today. The performances today beautifully highlighted the universal essence of Tagore’s writing”.

About Sangeet Natak Akademi: Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s National Akademi of Music Dance and Drama. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.