Patna : Arthshila Patna hosted ‘Pratham’, a Kuchipudi dance presentation by Delhi-based dancer, educator and performer Ayana Mukherjee on Saturday evening. Organised in collaboration with the Raza Foundation, the performance marked the second presentation under the Pratham series, which celebrates India’s classical dance traditions and their cultural and spiritual heritage.
The presentation explored different dimensions of devotion, focusing on the relationship between the devotee and the divine through themes of surrender, love, sacrifice and celebration.
Through expressive movements, intricate footwork and narrative storytelling, Mukherjee brought devotional compositions and mythological episodes to life using the traditional vocabulary of Kuchipudi.
Gangashtakam Opens The Devotional Presentation
The performance began with ‘Gangashtakam’, a composition by Adi Guru Shankaracharya celebrating Goddess Ganga and the river’s spiritual significance.
The piece formed part of AdiAshtakam, a dance feature conceptualised, researched and presented by Dr Usha R.K. It explored the belief in the Ganga as a purifier of sins and a source of spiritual liberation.
The choreography also depicted the story of Gangavataran, the celestial descent of the Ganga to Earth through the efforts of Bhagirath. The presentation combined the devotional composition with Kuchipudi’s expressive movements to portray the narrative.
Mukherjee choreographed the piece, with music composed by Venkateshwaran Kupposwami and jathis created by R. Keshavan.
Meera Bhajan Portrays Unconditional Devotion To Krishna
The next presentation was a Meera Bhajan, exploring the deep spiritual devotion of poet-saint Meera Bai towards Lord Krishna.
The composition portrayed devotion as an intimate and deeply personal relationship that transcends worldly boundaries. Through expressions of longing, surrender and spiritual conviction, the performance reflected Meera Bai’s unwavering love for Krishna.
The piece highlighted the role of devotional music and dance in conveying emotions and spiritual experiences through classical Indian art forms.
Deva Devam Bhaje Brings A Ramayana Episode To The Stage
The programme continued with ‘Deva Devam Bhaje’, a composition by Bhakti poet Annamacharya, choreographed by Guru Vanashree Rao.
The presentation depicted an episode from the Ramayana in which Lord Rama worships Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana. When Rama discovers that one lotus flower is missing from his offering, he resolves to offer his own lotus-like eye in its place.
Moved by his unwavering devotion and willingness to surrender, the Goddess appears before him and grants her blessings.
The narrative culminated in a portrayal of the Dashavatara, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, celebrating the divine principle of restoring dharma and maintaining cosmic order.
Through the combination of storytelling and movement, the performance connected devotion with courage, sacrifice and the triumph of righteousness.
Tarangam Brings The Evening To A Rhythmic Close
The presentation concluded with ‘Tarangam’, a distinctive feature of Kuchipudi associated with the devotional compositions of Sri Narayana Teertha.
The piece celebrated the qualities and forms of Lord Shiva through rhythm, movement and devotional expression.
A defining element of Tarangam is the dancer’s ability to perform while balancing on the rim of a brass plate. The technique requires balance, rhythmic precision, intricate footwork and control of movement.
Mukherjee’s performance combined these elements with energetic choreography, bringing the evening to a vibrant close.
Ayana Mukherjee’s Kuchipudi Journey
Ayana Mukherjee is a Delhi-based Kuchipudi dancer, educator and performer who began her dance training at the age of 16.
She pursued formal education at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata before undertaking advanced training at the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Chennai. She is a disciple of Padma Shri Guru Jayarama Rao and Guru Vanashree Rao.
A graded Doordarshan artist and an empanelled artiste with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and SPIC MACAY, Mukherjee has performed at cultural venues and festivals across India and internationally.
Her performance platforms include NMACC, NCPA, Nishagandhi and events associated with the Sangeet Natak Akademi. She has also participated in international festivals in Canada, Egypt and Greece.
Mukherjee received the Nalanda Nritya Nipuna Award 2026, recognising her contribution to the classical dance tradition.
Pratham Series Promotes India’s Classical Dance Heritage
Through the Pratham series, Arthshila Patna and the Raza Foundation aim to create opportunities for audiences to experience India’s diverse classical dance traditions and engage with their artistic and spiritual dimensions.
The Kuchipudi presentation brought together devotional literature, mythology, music and movement, demonstrating how classical dance can communicate complex narratives and spiritual ideas through performance.
The event formed part of the continuing effort to provide a platform for classical artists and encourage audiences to engage with India’s rich cultural heritage.
