Soundarya Natya Kalalaya, Ghatkopar, Mumbai is celeberating its 25th year of inception this year. As part of the celebrations, the students of the Kalalaya presented a Bharatanatyam recital featuring the Pancharanta Keertanas of Saint Thyagaraja.

The programme started with the kriti Sri Ganapathini (Sowrashtra), followed by Gurulekha (GowriManohari) and then the Pancharatna Kritis. Guru Padmini Radhakrishnan used a particular hastha (hand gesture) for each krithi. She took up Tripathaka Hastham for Jagadananthakaraka, Thamara Chooda and Bhavu Hastam for Dudukugala,Katakamukha and Alapadma Hastham for Saadinchane, Shikara hastham for Kanakana Ruchira and all the above for Entharo MahanuBhavulu.

Vocal and Nattuvangam for the programme was presented by Guru Padmini, supported by Sowmya Shivakumar and Raji Viswanathan. B. Anantharaman accompanied on the violin and S. Ravisankar on the mridangam.

Bhajan Samaj, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai presented the event as a part of their Ramanavami festival.

For more info, contact: nrad@vsnl.com