Lucknow: The closing ceremony of the summer workshop at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya was held at Kala Mandapam on Thursday.The programme witnessed artists performing to classical compositions, taking the audience through India’s rich cultural heritage.The event opened with a Bharatanatyam performance directed by Vaishnavi Mishra. Participants performed Pushpanjali, Shloka and Deep Nritya, displaying rhythm, expression and command over classical dance.This was followed by an Awadhi folk dance performance on ‘Ayodhya Ke Kanak Bhawan Mein’, which drew huge applause from the audience.A Kathak recital, guided by senior guru Pt Ram Mohan Maharaj, was also among the highlights. The dancers were appreciated for their footwork and technique.One of the participants, Nikita Chandra, 48, said, “I had a dream of becoming a dancer, but it was left behind after marriage. My children encouraged me to pursue it again.”In the classical vocal segment, participants presented the bandish ‘Payal Ki Jhankar’ in Raag Jaunpuri under the direction of Prakhar Pandey.A participant, Girdhari Singh, 71, said, “I had sung during college but could not pursue music due to family responsibilities. Now, I’m following my passion.”The instrumental section featured a sitar performance in Raag Kafi, directed by Manoj Kumar. Eleven-year-old Shivansh Trivedi said he was inspired by his uncle’s sitar playing and joined the workshop for formal training.Vice-Chancellor Prof Mandavi Singh said the university aimed to connect people with India’s classical and folk traditions.The chief guest at the programme was singer Yugantar Sindoor.
