Of Red Earth...

My long overdue piece on the Nrityagram visit, a couple of weekends back:

Saturday was the day of the red earth.

Hessaraghatta village is home to the beautiful Nrityagram.
Nrityagram of the tweeting of a million birds, of foliage so lush and dense, you could be in a tropical rainforest.
Nrityagram of the beautiful dancers. Of the cobbled stone walkway, of the stone cottages, of the red oxide floor, of feet rhythmically pounding on the red oxide,in unison.

We walked in on three Odissi dancers rehearsing a Mangalacharan piece.

The Mangalacharan is an auspicious rendition, which comprises of the Bhumi Pranam, the Vandana and the Sabha Pranam.
As the names suggest - Bhumi Pranam, is a a prayer to Mother Earth, the Vandana is offered to Lord Ganesh (to overcome all obstacles and pray for a beautiful performance) and the Sabha Pranam, is an offering of respect to the Gods, the Guru and the audience, at large.

We couldnt peel our eyes off the dancers - and they werent even in costume . Its quite amazing to see, how beautiful one can look in a much worn cotton saree, with a string of flowers in one's hair.
Nrityagram seems like a piece of red earth, stuck in a time warp - a lovely time warp. But its still plagued by the harsh realities of modern day needs - no donors, no sponsors, no other funds, not many students. Nrityagram's aura has faded, after the passing of its celeb founder- the charismatic Protima Bedi.
It seems in dire need of a resurrection. Else the sharks might just take it over to flaunt an erstwhile dance school.