New Delhi: The Association for Learning Performing Arts and Normative Action (ALPANA) hosted its much-anticipated event, the 22nd Annual Day—Indradhanush 2025—a mesmerising showcase of classical dance and music by the young disciples of A.L.P.A.N.A., including the talented Divyang students. Held at India International Centre (IIC) on Max Mueller Marg on 1 June, this grand occasion brought together talented artists, esteemed guests, and an enthusiastic audience.
The evening commenced with enchanting music performances such as “Chhota Khayaal” based on Raag Bahar and Teen Taal, “Thumri and Tarana” based on Raag Bhairavi and a Hindi filmi song “Jaa re Hat Natkhat…” by Satwiki Dhungana, Aditi Dhyani Aparna Chakraborty, Swati Singh Dhankar, Kenisha Kalra, Riya Nautiyal, Kirti Saxena, Pallavi Shrivastava and Pooja Thapar.
Our talented Divyang students Mayuk Dinda, Kushagra Bhardwaj, Tanisha Garg, Abhishek Rana, Kirti Saxena and Rajesh Kumar Gupta played Hindi film songs “Ajeeb daasta hain ye....” and “Oh mere dil ke chain…….” on keyboard and Mrs Archana Chaudhary accompanied them with guitar.
The rhythm section took centre stage with a captivating tabla performance that showcased the students' mastery of this classical instrument. The energy soared as the students mesmerised everyone with their beats on congo and African drum, displaying their command over percussion instruments.
The Music and Tabla presentations were conducted by Music Teacher Smt. Saswati Chatterjee and Tabla teacher Shri Subhash Chandra Behera.
The evening unfolded with breathtaking dance performances by the talented Divyang students. To commemorate International Yoga Day they presented Yoga on Oscar winning Hindi Film song ‘Jai Ho……..’ followed by a fun filled energetic dance performance based on a popular Bollywood song ‘Naachoon main aaj Chham Chham Chham……..’ and concluded with a vibrant Bhangra based on the song “Sauda Khara Khara…………..” Their determination and passion shone through, inspiring awe and admiration among all present.
A traditional Odissi dance recital commenced with the Mangalacharana. In Mangalacharana the beginner Odissi students of A.L.P.A.N.A. paid homage to Guru who is considered as Brahma, Vishnu & Maheshwar through the shloka “Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Deva Maheshwar..........”
The audience was then treated to the enthralling Kalyan Pallavi, where a tune sung in a particular raga developed gradually into different variations, evoking the beauty of tender shoots and blossoming leaves. The Pallavi based on "Kalyani Raga" and Mishra taal , showcased the dancers' graceful movements complemented by intricate rhythm patterns, creating a mesmerising tapestry of music and motion.
Next item was Basanta Pallavi which is a pure dance based on Raag Basant and Ektaali depicting the ecstatic moods of spring season. It was a very graceful and lyrical dance.
The next item was “Shiva Tandava” based on the ‘Shiva Tandava Stotram’ written by Ravana, the king of Lanka, in which the “Udhata or Rudra” manifestation of Lord Shiva was depicted. It was choreographed by Guru Smt. Alpana Nayak and Music Composition was by Guru Shri Prashanta Behera
The grand finale was a special Odissi dance choreography based on the song “Bhaja Mana Ram Charana Sukha dayi…” written by Sant Kavi Tulsi Das. In this prayer the poet says “Hey Man (Mind)! worship those pleasure giving feet of Lord Rama from where emanated the pious river Ganga; the footwear of those feet whom Prince Bharata worshiped for fourteen years; the same feet that the boat man Guha washed and then only allowed Lord Rama to ride his boat; Those feet are worshipped by the saintly beings for the devine bliss and it is the same feet by the mere touch of which Goutam Rishi’s wife Ahalya attend supreme abode. Shiva, Shankadi Kumaras, Brahma and Shesha Naag with his thousand mouths have all sung the glories of Lord Rama’s feet.” This was followed by Moksha or salvation.this mesmerising performance was presented by senior disciples of A.L.P.A.N.A. Amrti Setia, Disha Kannan, Sabita Sahoo, Agamya Jain, Lavisha Gulati, Nerissa Rout, Nimisha and Shreysha Singh. The accompanying musicians of the evening were Guru Sri Prasanta Behera (Vocalist), Guru Sri Prafulla Mangaraj (Mardala), Azhar Shakil (Violin) and Sri Nikhil Kumar Behera (Flute).
The Chief Guest of the event, Ms Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Additional Secretary in Ministry of Culture, Government of India appreciated the high quality of performances by A.L.P.A.N.A. students. She profusely praised the activities of the organization in mainstreaming Divyang Artists in an inclusive environment. The Distinguished Guest of the evening, Ms. Pratibha Parkar, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India addressed the audience and spoke about the role of A.L.P.A.N.A. organization in spreading Indian Heritage and Culture abroad through Odissi Dance. Dr. Ranjana Johri, Former PCCF, Government of Assam spoke about the outstanding achievements of A.L.P.A.N.A. students in various dance and music related competitions and examinations. The Distinguished Guests distributed award to the participants. Shri B. C. Nayak, Former IPS and Mentor of A.L.P.A.N.A. organization presented a vote of thanks.
A.L.P.A.N.A. founded in 2004, has continuously worked towards inclusive growth and the promotion of the visual and performing arts. Over the past 22 years, A.L.P.A.N.A. has made significant contributions to spreading awareness about India's rich cultural heritage, particularly in Odissi dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. Today, the institute boasts over 100 students, including 35 Divyang students, who excel in various disciplines, ranging from classical dance and vocal music to painting and vocational crafts.
Indradhanush 2025 was a resounding success, a celebration of talent, tradition, and the indomitable human spirit. A.L.P.A.N.A. continues to nurture young artists, providing them with a platform to shine and enriching the cultural landscape of India.
