Patna: Patna witnessed a captivating second day of the Bhikhari the King program at Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, celebrating the birth anniversary of the legendary Bhikhari Thakur. The festivities commenced with an enchanting presentation of the renowned Ghangiya dance of Purvanchal by Shri Brijnath Singh and his team.
The Ghangiya dance, a celebrated dramatic genre of Purvanchal, seamlessly integrates dance, music, and drama. The performance featured mesmerizing tricks and acrobatics, including a bicycle dance with teeth, furri, and gulati kicking, adding an element of intrigue and entertainment. The dancers, clad in white vests, colorful undergarments, and dhotis adorned with ghunghrus weighing 3 to 5 kilos, showcased a captivating and attractive performance. The audience was enthralled by the rendition of the song “Ratiya Ke Jhulaniya Le Gayil Chor Mori Nandi.”
Following this, the iconic play “Bidesiya” by Bhikhari Thakur took center stage under the direction of renowned theater director Sanjay Upadhyay. The play explores themes of displacement in pursuit of livelihood, the loneliness of a woman at home, and the hero’s return to his roots. The narrative unfolds as the hero, enticed by his friend’s praise of Calcutta, becomes eager to explore the city. However, the heroine, still in the throes of separation, hears unsettling rumors about the East. The play featured soul-stirring songs such as “Piya Kahlan Bahar Jaibe,” “Kuch Din Mein Laut Ke Aaib,” “Jeene Nahi Dihli Kabhun,” and “Aaho More Rama,” captivating the audience with every note.
During the program, Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary of the Art, Culture, and Youth Department, bestowed honors upon all the artists, presenting them with citations and mementos as a gesture of appreciation for their remarkable contributions to the arts.
