Anushree's Bharathanatyam Arangetram, a music and dance-filled afternoon, entertained the heritage lovers of Hong Kong. She is a disciple of Guru Natya Ratna Sri Puraskar Smt. Devi Babu, and she is the fifth student to perform Arangetram under her guidance. Selvi Anushree Karpagam, after 11 years of training, performed on stage for more than one hour, showcasing various margams of Bharathanatyam. Dr. Subramanian Senthilkannan and Dr. Karpagam Subramanian, both researchers, and Anushree's parents, have a strong connection to Tamil traditions and encouraged Anushree to pursue this art. Additionally, Anushree has been learning Carnatic vocal music for the past 10 years and has been singing Thirupugazh for the last 3 years.
The occasion was coordinated by earlier dance students Shradha, Mahek, and Bharathi, who had previously completed their Arangetram with the same Guru in Hong Kong. The Arangetram started with an invocation to the gods through Pushpanjali and Ganapathi Kauthuvam. Through Pushpanjali, the dancer offered flowers to the gods and the audience, welcoming both with graceful and energetic steps, seeking blessings for the day's performances. In Ganapathi Kauthuvam, the dancer prayed for success in the world of performing arts.
Anushree's parents, being ardent devotees of Lord Murugan, chose Thirupugazh Alarippu as the second item. Thirupugazh, written by Arungirinathar, praises the same god.
Devi Shabdam was performed by Anushree with a lot of facial expressions and movements, portraying both the rage and love of Goddess Devi, captivating the audience's attention.
The next item was Velan Varnam, an invocation to Lord Muruga. It describes his birth, how he protects dharma, and how he showers blessings on his devotees. Velan Varnam portrays different stories of Lord Muruga, including the stories of Karthikai Pengal, Shiva's teachings at Swami Malai, and Soorasamharam. Lord Muruga, known as the god of love and compassion, embodies the power of Shakti from his mother Parvati and the power of knowledge from his father, Shiva. He appeared on earth with a combination of these powers and knowledge to provide peace and security. Goddess Parvati presented the Vel to Murugan as an embodiment of her shakti or power, in order to vanquish the evil asura Soorapadman. The Vel became a symbol of his valor and the triumph of good over evil. The 45-minute Velan Varnam displayed various thiruvilayadals of Velan. The performers' stamina was evident during this item, which involved numerous poses and fast movements, leaving the audience spellbound.
During a short break, a video session featured relatives and friends of the performer, sending their wishes as they couldn't attend the occasion. The speech by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Gurunathan, a banker by profession and coordinator of all Murugan festivities at the Happy Valley Temple, blessed the performer and congratulated the Guru and parents who had supported the performer's journey in learning this ancient Tamil art. The volunteers who made this event a success were felicitated as well.
The second session began with Shiva Sthuti, a shloka in praise of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the king of dance and of Samhara or destruction. This dance not only showcased the power and beauty of Lord Shiva but also conveyed the self-realization of the divine, or Brahman, within us. This was followed by Thillana, which incorporated grace, love, and happiness into a compositional wonder.
The vote of thanks was given by the Director of Salangai Dance Academy, Hong Kong, Guru Smt. Devi Babu
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- Our Overseas Reporter Dr.Mei.Chitra