Aamad Society for Performing Arts (Thane) presented "Ritu Chakra'(seasonal circle) by accomplished Kathak exponent Sarita Kalele and her talented team of disciples at the Kashinath Ghanekar auditorium recently in Thane.

Exploring the seasonal delights with the relation to human life and existence, formed the highlight of the presentation in the Kathak style with rhythmic and melodious music that thrilled the audience.

The performance commenced with the traditional Shiva Vandana in praise of Lord Shiva, portraying his magnificence and glory, sung evocatively by veteran vocalist Manjot Desai, followed with pure dance sequences in the form of 'tode" and "tukde" and "bandish" choreographed by the legendary Pandit Durgalal in teen taal and taal dhamar. Sarita performed a thumri 'Dagar Vich Kaise Chalu", followed with the interpretations of the three main seasons in "Ritu Chakra". The Vasant or the spring season depicted the colourful and spectacular nature with flowers and birds as the young maiden eagerly waits to meet her lover. The summer season incorporates the heat and the thirst as everybody is eagerly waiting for the rains and lastly the rainy season that brings lot of joy and happiness as all dance and rejoice together.

Little children and other students interpreted "Jaya Sharade" in praise of goddess Sarraswati of knowledge and learning. It was interesting to watch little children dancing with lot of enthusiasm and excitement as their parents eagerly looked forward to their performance. The finale number was the "tatkaar"(footwork) performed by all the students. The compere for the show was Aditya Kalele.

Sarita Kalele is the disciple of the renowned exponent and mentor Guru Uma Gogra, presently the chairperson of Kathak Kendra. Sarita along with her mentor has performed in some of the most prestigious festivals in India and abroad. The dancers received fine orchestral support with Manoj Desai for vocal, Satyaprakash Mishra for Tabla and Alka Gujar for Sitar. 

A seasonal delight indeed.

By Guru Vijay Shanker