2500 Kuchipudi dancers assembled at HH Sri ChinnaJeeyar Swamiji’s a:shram in JIVA, Sri Ram Nagar on 22nd, 23rd and 24th October 2021 to the World Kuchipudi Dance Day. There were close to 400 solo performances and 70 group performances each day.
Swamiji’s interest in encouraging and relishing the valuable traditional art forms is seen through every step of the way over the three days. Swamiji appreciated the efforts of all the parents, teachers, and children in learning the art, dressing-up for the event, and performing beautifully.
An interesting and must-read Dialogue between Swamiji and the children …
Swamiji: Who is the originator of dance?
Children: Natraj, or Shiva
Children: Really!? When did He perform?
In the inception of the creation, Lord Srimannarayana expressed Himself through certain rhythmic moves when He had to hit Madhu and Kaitabha (during mardana)to teach them a lesson for taking away Ve:das from Bramha.
Later during His incarnation as Sri Krushna, He expressed His anger through a series of beautiful yet tough movements on the head of a venomous snake, Kaliya living in the Yamuna river to teach it a lesson too. This is popularly known as ka:liyaMardana. His performance enchanted the residents of Brinda:van while hurting its enemy Ka:liya.
He also expressed His valour through strategic but repeatable rhythmic moves as He was fighting the heavy-weight wrestlers, Cha:nura and Mushtika.
Thus, Lord expressed His emotions like love, valour, anger where necessary for the sake of those who sought His refuge. The expression is termed nruthya, dance!
Children: Then, what about Shiva?
Swamiji: Shiva was God’s best student.
Swamiji: That’s because Shiva followed, practised the same art very well. He is now considered the master. The origin is however God Himself, Lord Srimannarayana.
– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– 22nd,23rd,24th, Oct 2021
– World Kuchipudi Dance Day, JIVA a:shram
There were four stages made available for the dancers. Simultaneous performances on four stages… Two of the stages were within DivyaSaketham temple where children were submitting their art to it’s originator Himself. Another stage was the a:shram’s huge auditorium where the audience were relishing the event. The fourth stage was at the studio centre of the a:shram. The entire crew and visitors were given sumptuous meals and were given accommodated to rest. Swamiji visited all the four stages, watched the performances when possible and blessed the entire event.
Save Kuchipudi Trust organised the performances. Smt. Bhavana Pedapurolu has been key driving force planning the event. Herself and Sriman Ghantasala Pavan Kumar (of Kalakshethra Dance Academy) requested Swamiji to give an opportunity to perform at the a:shram and cordially invited Swamiji to preside as the Chief Guest. After seeing the premises and Statue of Equality, everyone were thrilled about the inauguration of State of Equality and are looking forward to an opportunity to perform for the mega event.
Art is being encouraged by swamy with the BLESSINGS of the SRIMANNARAYANA.
Speaking at an interview, HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamijis said, “children learning traditional art forms are generally more humble than others…”. And a small call to all parents to encourage children to learn any type of traditional Vedic arts as learning Bhagavad Gita slokas, learning poems,… learning such arts brings good culture in kids for the better society and future.