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International Dance Day

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! This 11:00pm. 29^th April, 2013, Monday in India. Hope you all are doing well! After a small gap, I’m here again for you! I was quite irregular in last few weeks for some technical problems you know; so, I have decided to fresh up with a new week and I choose the beginning of this week. 

Friends, today is the International Dance Day. Let’s go for a small trip around the World of classical dances of India!

India has thousands of year old tradition of fine arts and classical and folk music and dances. Some of the world-famous dance forms that originated and evolved in India are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Odissi. All these dance forms use basically the same 'mudras' or signs of hand as a common language of expression and were originally performed in the temples to entertain various Gods and Goddesses. They were also effective in carrying forward the various mythological stories from generation to generation while entertaining the audiences. It eventually became a part of 'Natya Shashtra', as propounded by Sage Bharata to compile and forge some rules and regulations of entertaining arts.
With time, the classical dances evolved to include the expressions and themes from social life and experiences. Lord Shiva is said to be the 'Nataraja' meaning 'King of All Dances', who is said to perform the Cosmic Dance that delicately balances life and death and all that is happening in the Universe in harmonious cycles.

Here is a small description of classical dances of India for you.

 

Bharatnatyam

Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Bharatnatyam is more popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Bharatnatyam dance is almost 2,000 years old. It is believed that Bharatnatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata, a famous sage who then codified this sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra. The Natya Shastra is one of the fundamental treatises on Indian drama and aesthetics.

Kathak

Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." The Kathak dance form originated in north India and was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India, there were Kathakars or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment music, mime and dance.

Kathakali

 

Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognized icon of Kerala. Kathakali is considered as one of the most magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics, mythologies and legends.

Kuchipudi

 

Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its name from the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. In the seventeenth century the Kuchipudi village was presented to the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama. Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu Epics, legends and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting. Like other classical dances, Kuchipudi also comprises pure dance, mime and histrionics but it is the use of speech that distinguishes Kuchipudi's presentation as dance drama.

Manipuri

 

Manipuri is one of the six major classical dances of India. Manipuri dance is indigenous to Manipur, the North eastern state of India. The Manipuri dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of Manipuri people. The most striking part of Manipur dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music and poetic charm. The Manipuri dance form is mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state of Manipur.

Mohiniattam

 

Mohiniattam is a classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniattam is derived from the words "Mohini" (meaning beautiful women) and "attam"(meaning dance). Thus, Mohiniattam dance form is a beautiful feminine style with surging flow of body movements. Mohiniattam dance in Kerala developed in the tradition of Devadasi system, which later grew and developed a classical status.

Odissi

 

Odissi is one of the famous classical Indian dances from Orissa state. The history of Odissi dance is almost two thousand years old. Odissi is a highly inspired, passionate, ecstatic and sensuous form of dance. Like most of the South Indian classical dances of India Odissi too had its origin in the Devadasi tradition. The state of Orissa has a great cultural history. 

 

That’s all for today! Take care of your family and yourself! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar.

 Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=bharatanatyam&hl=en&tbm

Flavors of India

Hilsa with Pineapple

 

Ingredients

 

 

1. Hilsa (Ilish)	500grms
2. Pineapple	1piece
3. Onion (big size) (pasted)	2pieces
4.  Red chili Powder	1 teaspoon
5.  Green Cardamom pods	10
6.  Bay leaves	2
7.  Turmeric Powder	1 teaspoon
8. Cooking Oil	To need
9. Salt	to taste

                                                                                  

 

Process:

1. 

1. Wash the fishes, marinated with little bit of turmeric powder & Salt for 5-10min. 

2. Grate the pineapple and keep aside.

3. Fry the fishes lightly in a pan and keep aside.

4. In the same oil, add bay leaves and Green Cardamom pods till this smell.

5. Now, add the onion paste and fry till it become brown.

6. Add the grated pineapple and cook for 3-4 min.

7. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder and salt with ½ cup of water and mix well. Cook again 2min.

8. Now, add the Hilsa fishes with 1cup of water and stir well. Cover and let it cook on low flame until it become thick.

9. Serve hot with hot Rice or Polaw.

* If you love to eat sweet more than salt, add 1tablespoon of Pineapple Jam in it.

Festivals of India in the month of April

Mahavir Jayanti

Children dressed as rulers take part in procession on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti - See more at: http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/today-in-pic-newly-renovated-kashmere-gate-isbt/2560-2.html#sthash.1RT0CNJp.dpuf

Children dressed as rulers take part in procession on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti - See more at: http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/today-in-pic-newly-renovated-kashmere-gate-isbt/2560-2.html#sthash.1RT0CNJp.dpuf

The Jain community celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism as Mahavir Jayanti every year. The birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara of the Jains, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, is celebrated by the Jain community in March.  Born a prince in 599 BC, Mahavir renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and undertook austere penance until he achieved realization.

Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, is the last one in the galaxy of Twenty-four Teerthankaras (Jain Prophets). Lord Mahavir has been acclaimed as one of the greatest prophets of peace and social reformation that Bharat has ever produced. He was born to a pious couple, Siddhartha (king of Kaundinyapura on the outskirts of Vaishali near Patna in Bihar). and Priyakarani or popularly Trishala Devi - who were deeply permeated with the philosophy of Jainism preached by Parswanatha, the 23rd Teerthankara.

Mahavir renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and undertook austere penance until he achieved realization.  Even as a boy, Mahavira came to be associated with many episodes of absolute fearlessness which earned him the name `Mahavira'. He grew up as a prince, excelling in physical prowess and intellectual acumen. He renounced the pleasures and luxuries of the place, as also the power and prestige of kingship and undertook a life of intense penance for more than twelve years. He calmly bore not only the rigors of nature but the torments from the ignorant and mischievous among his own countrymen also. He finally became self-illumined. But not content with his own personal salvation, he chose to become a great human redeemer.

 

Children dressed as rulers take part in procession on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti

Lord Mahavir spread the message of salvation to the world and had many followers. Mahavir preached non-violence, prohibited any kind of killing and taught his followers to seek salvation through penance and abstinence. They are also advised to donate money, clothes and grain to the poor. The Jains are divided into many sects of whom the main ones are Digambaras and Shvetambaras with the latter again divided into Deravasis and Sthanakvasis. Mahavira initiated a simple five-fold path for the householders: Ahimsa (Non-injury - physical or mental - to others), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (temperance in sexual pleasures) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition of property). 

 Mahavira left his mortal coils at the age of 71 on the Deepavali day. But the lamp of peace which he lit continues to grow through the myriad lights of the Festival of Lights.   This year, Mahavir Jayanti falls on 24^th of April.    

 Image Courtesy: http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery