Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 23: Natrang’s dance show ‘Celebrating Cultural Melange’ through various dance forms of the State mesmerized the jam-packed Matrika auditorium of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra.
Conceived and directed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur, this unique presentation of dances transported the pan-India audience to a rejoicing journey of the amazing cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir. Ravindra Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, was the chief guest whereas Manu Khajuria, Organiser, Voice of Dogra, London and Shiv Nirmohi, eminent cultural activist and historian were the guests of honour.
Presentation of Natrang was hosted by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra and prominent among those who graced the occasion included Ajay Khajuria, Registrar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Dr Balwant Singh, Ex Advisor, RBI and Dr Shanamugam, Treasurer TIES.
Earlier giving a detailed account of his vision about the presentation, Director Natrang Balwant Thakur said that this is the only kind of presentation which represents almost all the regions of Jammu & Kashmir and such an effort was never made to showcase the entire cultural strength in one designed presentation.
This amazing bouquet of rarest dance traditions beautifully unfolded the mesmerizing artistic expressions of this part of the world. Each dance presentation despite being different from the other in rhythm was artistically blended with each other so as to present their harmony and co-relation. The programme opened with traditional ‘Kud’ of Jammu region which is popular in the hills of Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua and afterwards transported the audience to Kashmir and enlivened the vibrant Kashmiri ‘Rouf’ which is performed during EID and other festive occasions.
The artists who performed included Sunny Mujoo, Ankush Bhasin, Vinay Sultan, Jyoti Kumari, Geetanjali Khajuria, Ruchika Khajuria, Nikhil Manhas, Aarti Salathia, Naina Sharma, Asha Kotwal, Bindia, Simran Chauhan, Khushi, Simran Kaur, Garima Sharma, Razia Akhter, Ravika, Deepali Sharma, Jasvinder Kour, Tableen Kour, Saloni Verma, Ronit Mishra, Ankuleshwar Manhas, Anil Sharma and Roshal Sarmal. The show was choreographed by Rakesh Kona, Lights were designed by Gaurav Jamwal and executed by Ankush Lakhnotra. Mohd Yaseen did the sound and the show was managed by Rahul Singh and Mahikshit Singh.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Varun Kumar Tripathi, President, Board of Cultural activities, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra.
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