Pellau Magazine: Dancing bells tell story of Hanuman

1:23 AM | Posted by Pellau | Edit Post

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Hanuman and his little friends.
Thousands of ghungroos (dancing bells)
resonated within the walls of Naparima Bowl as
some 80 dancers told the story of Hanuman
through dance. It was the annual dance drama of
Sandra Sookdeo and disciples during the
presentation of Raama Bhakta Hanuman.
Referred to as the monkey God, Hanuman the
greatest devotee of the Hindu God Sri Raam, was
brought to life through various classical and folk
dances at the packed Bowl on April 7.
The chiming of the ghungroos accentuated the
rhythmic movements of dozens of "little monkey
friends" of Hanuman. The three-hour dance
drama started with the Odissi recital that included
beginner dancers in Ganesh Vandana. It
continued with colourful dances, including the
Battu (pure dance), Basant Pallavi, Saveri Pallavi,
Shri Ram Stuti and Moksha. The first half ended
with dancers taking the microphone to sing
Professor Hari Shankar's Raag Bilaawal, as taught
by senior dancer and music student Garima
Sahatoo.
Senior dancers and some of their parents doubled
up as singers and musicians to present live music
for other dancers. The event was family-oriented,
with parents from various professions assisting in
stage management, lighting, set design, ushers,
décor and cafeteria. The second half of the show
transported the audience to the time when Sri
Raam was sent to exile for 14 years and his
meeting with Hanuman. It continued with the
abduction of the goddess Sita and her meeting
with Hanuman. In the court of the evil king
Ravan, Hanuman created havoc to protest the
abduction of Mother Seeta. For his unparalleled
devotion to God, Hanuman was immortalised in
the 40-verse Hanuman Chalisa and the Hanuman
Ashtak, which were danced for the first time at
the Naparima Bowl.