Recently concluded Indian Classical Dance and Music Festival ‘Parampara’ brought the rich heritage of Indian performing arts to life at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, presenting Sri Lankan audiences with two evenings of refined dance and music traditions on March 4 and 5. The festival marked a significant cultural milestone, as it was one of the [...]
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Preethi Ganegoda presenting her new bood to veteran singer Sujatha Aththanayaka
Recently concluded Indian Classical Dance and Music Festival ‘Parampara’ brought the rich heritage of Indian performing arts to life at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, presenting Sri Lankan audiences with two evenings of refined dance and music traditions on March 4 and 5.
The festival marked a significant cultural milestone, as it was one of the most comprehensive showcases of Indian classical dance and music staged in Sri Lanka. Bringing together leading Sri Lankan and international artistes, the event offered a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the elegance, artistic depth and spiritual essence that define India’s classical performing traditions.
The festival was organised by veteran Bharatanatyam exponent and author Preethi Ganegoda, whose long-standing dedication to Indian classical arts helped shape the vision of the event. The advisory committee comprised distinguished artistes including Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathy, Samanthi Vidyapathy and Chandana Wickramasinghe.
The opening evening, titled ‘Nata Mahotsava’, celebrated the diversity of Indian classical dance forms. The programme featured performances in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, Odissi and the martial folk tradition of Chhau.
Among the performers was Indian-origin dancer Vithya Arasu, who presented both Bharatanatyam and Odissi, reflecting the versatility and discipline required in classical dance training. A striking Mohiniyattam recital by invited Indian artiste Moumita Pal added a graceful dimension to the evening, introducing a form rarely performed in Sri Lanka.
Veteran artistes including Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathy and Chandana Wickramasinghe joined fellow performers Madhusanka Priyadarshana and Geetha Premachandra in presenting the dramatic dance theatre tradition of Kathakali. Meanwhile, Shamitha Hettige presented the vibrant Mayurabhanj style of Chhau, a traditional dance with roots in martial arts.
‘Kathak’ performances by Major Veronika Dassanayaka and Amritha Vidyapathy highlighted the growing popularity of the North Indian classical dance style among Sri Lankan dancers and audiences alike.
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Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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