By the divine grace of Sri Swamiji, Bhakti Sugandham: The Fragrance of Devotion which premiered in Minnesota was a resounding success! This classical dance ballet with ‘live’ accompanying music, weaving the Navarasas enunciated within the Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana was staged at The Southern Theater, MN on Sunday, June 14th.
The fully sold-out show commenced with a Western band, Ananda who rendered Sufi chants and Kabir poetry. This was followed by an invocation, Bhavatam Pathatha Kinchidapi by Kum. Priya Kanajam and then a benedictory message from our Guru Maharaj, H.H. Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. The dance then followed.
The opening act was a Mallari followed by a Madhuragitam, Srimad Bhagavatam Swayam Harireva. The dialogue between Veda Vyasa and Narada and subsequently Shuka and Parikshit set the segway for the birth of Srimad Bhagavatam. This was followed by the portrayal of ‘Navarasas’ with various charitras from Srimad Bhagavatam:
Veeram: Bheeshma Pitamaha’s valor
Bhibatsam: Vaitarani River’s description in the infernal regions
Raudram: Sati Devi and Lord Shiva’s anger
Hasyam: Mohini Avatara of Lord Vishnu
Adbhutam: Vamana, the dwarf becoming Trivikrama
Bhayanakam: Lord Narasimha’s appearance and slaying of Hiranyakashipu
Shrungaram: Gopis’ prema bhakti towards Lord Krishna
Karunyam: Lord Dwarakadeesh’s compassion towards His friend, Sudama
Shantam: How the Lord is a personification of Shantam, even when Sage Bhrugu kicks Him
The cast comprising of 27 artists included accomplished and promising young artists from across the country, including Minnesota, Houston, New Jersey, Seattle and Wisconsin. The production crew comprised of Smt. Nisha Giri who compiled the script, Smt. Priya Murali, the artistic director, Kum. Surabi Veeraraghavan, the choreographer and Smt. Uma Ranganathan, the music director.
The event was especially recognized by Senator Amy Klobuchar, US Senator for Minnesota, Democratic Party. Proceeds from the event were channeled towards noteworthy causes in Minnesota and India.
