Mesmerising Performances of Classical Singing, Bharatanatyam and Kathak Captivate Audience
Dr. Aarti Singh and 10 Students Present Kathak, ‘Shiva Panchakshara Stotra’ and Expressions of the Monsoon Season
Raipur, August 2026: The Department of Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh, organised ‘Paavas Prasang’ in Raipur as part of its Departmental Events-2026. The cultural evening, held at the open-air stage on the premises of the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, brought alive the emotions and beauty of the monsoon through captivating presentations of Indian classical music and dance.
The programme featured performances in classical singing, Bharatanatyam and Kathak, giving the audience an opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of India’s classical artistic traditions.
Classical Singing Opens the Programme
The first performance of the opening day of ‘Paavas Prasang’ was presented by Alka Kurre, a Class VIII student. Through her classical vocal performance, she gave the evening a melodious and expressive beginning, showcasing her understanding of the nuances of Indian classical music.
This was followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Horit Gaur, which highlighted the rhythm, expressions, grace and aesthetic beauty of the classical dance form. Through traditional mudras and expressive movements, the performance effectively captured the attention of the audience.
Kathak Performance by Dr. Aarti Singh and 10 Students
One of the major attractions of the evening was the Kathak presentation by Dr. Aarti Singh and her 10 students.
The performance included the ‘Shiva Panchakshara Stotra’ and explored the emotional landscape of the monsoon through Kathak’s rhythm, taal, mudras and expressive storytelling. The students presented a coordinated and disciplined performance, demonstrating their training and artistic abilities.
Dr. Aarti Singh is a Kathak artiste trained in the Lucknow and Raigarh gharanas and has more than three decades of experience in Kathak practice and teaching. She is an accredited Doordarshan artiste and has also been selected by the ICC. She has performed at several national and international platforms and is scheduled to present ‘Siyaram’ in Tirupati next month.
Dr. Singh has created several thematic and creative Kathak productions and choreographies, including ‘Siyaram’, ‘First Nayika’ and ‘Divya Jyoti’. ‘Divya Jyoti’ is a dance drama based on the life of Swami Vivekananda, portraying his life, philosophy and inspiring personality through dance.
Young Talent Showcases Passion for Classical Arts
The participation of young artistes was another highlight of the programme. Nidhi Tandon, a Class X student from Bhilai, also participated in the Kathak presentation.
Nidhi has been learning Kathak under the guidance of Guru Smt. Amrita Sanyal for nearly five years. She began her Kathak training in Class V and has continued to develop her skills through regular practice and dedication.
The performances at ‘Paavas Prasang’ brought together the experience of senior artistes and the enthusiasm of young performers. The programme underlined the importance of continuous training, dedication and participation of the younger generation in preserving and carrying forward India’s rich classical traditions.
A Celebration of Monsoon Through Indian Classical Arts
‘Paavas Prasang’ portrayed the monsoon not merely as a change in weather but as a season deeply connected with emotions and artistic expression in Indian music and dance traditions.
Through classical singing and dance, diverse emotions associated with nature, devotion, joy and sensitivity were brought alive on stage. The open-air setting added to the atmosphere as art and the monsoon season came together in a unique cultural experience.
Art and culture enthusiasts gathered at the venue and enthusiastically applauded the performances. The presentations effectively showcased the richness, diversity and emotional depth of Indian classical music and dance.
The cultural evening organised by the Department of Culture served not only as a platform for artistes but also as an important initiative to bring classical arts closer to the public and encourage the younger generation to connect with India’s artistic heritage.
‘Paavas Prasang’ thus emerged as a memorable celebration of the emotions of the monsoon and the timeless beauty of Indian classical arts.
