When Kathak and Sufi maestros came together

An evening of Kathak and Sufi music, organised by Sindhi Academy on a Saturday evening enthralled the Delhi audience with its unique grace and presentation. The cultural evening – 'Sajan Saan Rooh Rihaniyoon'- at Kamani Auditorium saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.

'Sajan Saan Rooh Rihaniyoon', which means two lover's souls are talking to each other, featured an amalgamation of the graceful dance form of Kathak and the soulful rendition of Sufi music. Six Kathak choreographic presentations – Leela Chanesar, Shumar, Naale Alakh, Raqs, Kiyan Rijhaya, Tarana in Raag Darbari – were showcased at the event.

"Sindhi art and culture is a valuable part of Delhi's culture. Programmes like these are a great way of bringing forth the best of Sindhi tradition to a new audience. With a talented new Sindhi Academy committee in place, the Delhi Government hopes to present and develop quality Sindhi programmes," said the Deputy Chief Minister.

Sindhu Bhagia Mishra, Secretary, Sindhi Academy Delhi said, "Sufism is the strength of Sindhi Poetry and Shah Abdul Latif's poetry is rated to be of the highest level when compared with world Sufi literature, which has been the basic guiding principle for the Sindhi Community."

With a total of six breath taking performances, 'Samskritiki Shreyaskar', performed by the senior disciples of Padmashree and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, Rani Karnaa started off the evening's programme. A rendition of 'Leela Chanesar' followed the performance by 'Samskritiki Shreyaskar'.

The third performance was based on 'Shumaar'; three abstract elements, magical numbers, and musical notes come together with the mystic 'Aum' in this composition performed by Debashree, Sohini, and Shamila. Next performance by Debashree, Sohini, Shamila, and Somdatta was RAQS – the concluding piece ushered with a quintessential presentation of the multiplicity of Kathak as a dance form.

In the Fifth performance, 'Kiyarijhaya', the devotee implores to have one glimpse of his Supreme Beloved. The sixth and final performance was of Tarana, presented by Debashree, Sohini, Shamila, Somdatta, Tultul, and Surangama.