Winner of National Tourism Award 2003-04
Ms. Renuka Chowdhury, Hon'ble Minister of State of Tourism, launching Symphony Celestial
National Tourism Award for the Best Tourism Film 2003-04
Symphony Celestial traced its origin to 2003, when its objective was to be the de facto omnibus on classical dances of India. It contains ten classic compilations featuring the most exemplary Indian dance forms covering over 2000 years of masterpieces integral to our heritage. These bear the indelible mark of India's cultural legacy, majestically portrayed to unravel its artistic excellence & performance style. This was released both as VCD and DVD package. This collection is an absolute collectors ‘delight while creating a platform for connoisseurs of art to rendezvous with master performers. An asset for posterity, it easily triggers the curiosity of academics and aficionados alike. The ten art forms in nine distinct Indian languages cut across the length and breadth of India.
The series is the Winner of National Tourism Award 2003-04, instituted by the Government of India, to recognize its immense contribution towards introducing Indian classical dance to a broader audience.
NatyaSutraOnline, the home for all Indian folk arts, is proud to introduce this collector's treasure to our audience in a digital form. This series chronicles the nuances and salient features of ten separate classical dances in India. From experienced practitioners to newcomers, this is the definitive collection on Indian dance, now exclusively available free here on NatyaSutraOnline.
This 2000-year-old dance form represents poetry in motion. It boasts of unfettered rhythmic movements and expressions, devotional in spirit yet highly stylized and sophisticated in technique. The musical component of Bharatanatyam utilizes Sanskrit, Tamil. Telugu, and Kannada.
Artiste : Anita Ratnam
Duration : 45 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions :
Ambika Pallavi, Andal Kouthuvam, Painkili Vannan,
Sirulu Minchina, Priye Charuseele,
Thillana
Mohiniyattam is Kerala's female classical solo dance, which glorifies Mohini, the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology. Renowned for its wide-swinging steps, the art form reminds one of the gentle swayings of green paddy fields. It is a dance of sheer enchantment and merriment, with its purpose being overtly sensual. The accompanying music is in Malayalam.
Artiste : Dr. Deepti Omchery Bhalla
Duration : 45 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions :
Innu Mama Bhagya Taru, Nritha Prabandham,
Papabhaya Haranam, Dundubhi Natyam
Kathak's quaint charm lies in its synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Over the last few centuries, it has evolved from a temple ritual to courtly entertainment and now an integral global representation of Indian ethos. Intricate footwork and rapid pirouettes are the dominant and most endearing features of Kathak. The musical component of Kathak uses Hindi and Sanskrit.
Artiste : Pali Chandra
Duration : 35 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions :
Chali Akelee Naar, Bihari Ko Apane Bus Kara Paaoui,
Na Manoongi, Om Jayanti Mangala Kali, Tarana
From Indian's Eastern shores, we bring the magic of Odissi. The enchanting classical dance from Odisha is renowned for its charm, where the performer elevates the art form, often to a sculptor's delight. Odissi is known for portraying the fables of Lord Krishna and takes most of its themes from Jayadeva's 'Geeta Govinda.' It is a delicate and lyrical classical dance, where the songs are mainly in Oriya and Sanskrit.
Artiste : Sujata Mohapatra
Duration : 40 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions : Mangalacharan (Ganesh Vandana), Pallavi , Abhinaya
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Kuchipudi emanates from the eponymous village in the Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, with over two thousand years of dance history molding it into its current form. It is a continuous and living dance tradition of Andhra Pradesh, deeply rooted within the fabric of the state. Like most Indian classical dances, its genesis lies in faith, and for a long time, it was presented only at temples.
Artiste : Manju Bharggavee
Duration : 40 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions : Bhamakalaapam, Krishnashabdham, Marakatha Manimaya Chela
Manipuri embodies the love and devotion between Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. This classical dance stands out among its peers due to its bedecked costumes, graceful twists, and calm strides, which resemble a mesmerizing lyrical recitation. It is a burst of color and quaint beauty unmatched across classical dance.
Artiste : Bimbavati Devi
Duration : 45 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions : Nani Churi, Vasant Ras, Dhol Cholom, Radha Roop Varnan , Pung Cholom
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From the serene island of Majuli, in the arms of the mighty Brahmaputra, rises the powerful classical dance form of Satriya. The beliefs and rituals of the islanders epitomize the dance, now synonymous with the state of Assam. It traced its origins back to the Bhakti Movement in the 15th century.
Artiste : Anita Sharma
Duration : 35 minutes
Subtitles : English
Compositions : Nandi, Ram Vandan
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Kathakali combines elements of a traditional opera and ballet while remaining deeply rooted in the southern shores of Kerala, from where it emanated. For around three hundred years, Kathakali has retold stories of the great Indian epics and wise lessons from the divine Puranas. They combine nritya with storytelling in a magnificent mixture of art and technique.
Artiste : Inchakattu Ramachandran Pillai, Kalamandalam Ratheesan & Margi Vijayakumar
Duration : 90 minutes
Subtitles : English
Story : Kalyanasougandhikam
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Kutiyattam draws its roots from an era where there were very few national boundaries. For over 2000 years, this distinct form of Sanskrit theatre has survived and thrived in Kerala. UNESCO has officially recognized it as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Artiste : Kalamandalam Sivan Namboodiri
Duration : 80 minutes
Subtitles : English
Story : Kailasodharanam
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Yakshagana is a 400-year-old dance opera that calls the massive state of Karnataka its home. It is considered the music of divine beings, and it provides its distinct depiction on any episode from the great Indian epics. Its dance, music, oration, costume, make-up, and stage technique are what set it apart from other traditional dances, as its interpretation and display are beautifully different.
Artiste : Yakshagana Troupe- MSDY Kala Mandali
Duration : 60 minutes
Subtitles : English
Story : The Killing of Kamsa
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