'Smritiyaan' leaves behind memories

New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) The two-day Indian classical dance and music festival 'Smritiyaan' - an endeavour by Pt Chatur Lal Memorial Society concluded here last evening leaving behind colourful memories.

The day featured Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan, a 'Jugalbandi' by vocalist Pt Ulhas Kashalkar and tabla maestro Pt Suresh Talwalkar and a sitar recital by Renu Jain.

The evening opened with Mrs Jain's recital and the highlight was rendering of 'Rag Abhogi'.

Next was a Jugalbandi by Pt Kashalkar and Pt Talwalkar. They performed a composition in 'Rag Marvah'.

Shovana started her recital with 'OM', an invocation to Lord Shiva. Known for experimentation, her performance was not confined to classical ragas and mudras but included some light pieces.

She performed items like 'Hari-Har Param' dedicated to Krishna and Shiva, 'Krishna Tandav', 'Astra-Shstra Param' and 'Jhula Param'.

She concluded with a performance based on a verse 'Kabhu Mile Naina Gori se Goonghat Kade Oat Khadi' revolving around a lover impatient to have a glimpse of his beloved.

''In this era of globalisation we cannot keep ourselves aloof and external influences are bound to leave an impression on our society.

But our power is in maintaining our identity and our heritage,'' she said after her performance.

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