Going back to mythology

The 9th edition of ‘Bal Sangam’ concluded on Wednesday with full fervour where the children from Imphal, Manipur performed Raas Leela in the national Capital. 

Maharas attempts at recapturing the spirit of Raas Leela, the celebrated round-dance which Krishna performed with the gopis at Vrindavan. Played even now on Kartik Purnima the theme and sequence of Maha Raas are based on the Bhagavatam in which the slokas of the Bhagavata text are recited and sung. 

The story goes on where Krishna, on seeing the beauty of the full moon night and remembering his promises to the Gopis, he decides to play Raas Leela with Radha and gopis by playing on his flute on the shimmering sands of the jamuna.

The gopis come forth and dance with him in repute. But when pride of dancing with him enters their hearts, he vanishes; and as soon as they became humble joins them again ,duplicating himself many times, Krishna seems to be throughout the circle, yet in reality remaining one.

To add to the festivities, longmans, clowns, dhol drummers, tight rope walker, jugaad band performers, acrobats, jugglers, behrupiyas, magicians, kacchi-ghodi performers, kathputli exponents, and many more converged to present the cultural heritage of the country.

Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama said, “This ‘Bal Sangam ‘is an unique effort to expose the children and young citizens to real strength of Indian folk and traditional performing arts. It is also an effort to understand the roots of our heritage and cultural treasure. Understanding of Indian value system and way of leading life only will help us mark our presence on the global platform. ‘Bal Sangam’ is about sharing, learning, teaching, enriching and gaining confidence for showing our indigenous cultural identity while facing the globe.”

Also during this year’s ‘Bal Sangam’, the NSD authorities will be making special arrangements through various NGO working with underprivileged children and social organisations to reach out and invite children from the not so privileged class so as to give them the due privilege to experience and be enriched by this long awaited festival of National School of Drama for children.