Patna: A Kathak ballet titled “Main Bihar Hoon” was staged at the Bapu Tower Museum in Patna on Tuesday, offering audiences a lyrical journey through the state’s cultural and historical landscape. Organised jointly by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Patna, and Bapu Tower, the evening placed Bihar’s identity at the centre of a classical dance narrative.
The performance was led by New Delhi–based Kathak exponent Swati Sinha, accompanied by her troupe. Through a sequence of carefully crafted scenes, the ballet evoked Bihar’s defining symbols, from the rituals of Chhath Puja to the ancient centres of learning at Nalanda and Vikramshila. The choreography combined rhythmic footwork, expressive gestures and storytelling, drawing sustained applause from the audience.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was the rendition of Uga Ho Suraj Dev, which resonated strongly with viewers and underscored the spiritual core of the presentation. The ballet sought not only to entertain but also to reaffirm Bihar’s long association with knowledge, devotion and folk traditions.
The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including ICCR regional Director Swadha Rizvi, former IAS officer and Kathak dancer Neelam Chaudhary, Senior Classical Vocalist Rajeev Sinha and Senior Deputy Accountant General Ajay Jha. Speaking at the event, Chaudhary reflected on the roots of the dance form, noting that Kathak literally means “one who tells a story”, and describing it as a medium that carries history and society within its movements.The event was organised under the direction of Vinay Kumar, director of the Bapu Tower Museum.
